????EMERGENCY!Whats going on w/ my Lyretail Molly!

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Omg my Black Lyretail Molly has a white scale that looked like it was damaged or so,and it looks like it spreaded today!

 

[WILDER]

Does it look white in between the scales as well.

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Hold on let me see..

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Yes I think it is..is it ich?

 

[WILDER]

No itch looks like sprinkles of salt on the fish, it sounds like columnaris, you will need to do some salt baths and add some salt to the tank if you have no scaless fish.
http/www.flippersandfins.net/flexibacter.htm

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

hmm alright,thank you

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Thats exactly what the white spot looks like!Thanks! Hopefully I can cure it?

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

I`m wodering if its contagious to other fish?

 

[WILDER]

I would issolate the fish if you can, start treating the fish straight away, as you can't wait around with this, good luck.

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Alright I moved it.But the problem is I dont think it can live without a filter??

 

[WILDER]

Heater is more important then a filter, just do daily water changes and remove waste with a net, keep an eye on water quality, don't need filters if you use antibiotics they kill the bacteria colony anyway.

 

[Inchworm]

I`m wodering if its contagious to other fish?

Hi SMSBrunetteGirl

It's not just a matter of being contageous. Bacterial infections are contracted by fish that have become weakened by stressful conditions. These conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, infrequent or inadequate water changes, overstocking, high nitrates, low oxygen content in the water, aggressive tankmates, etc.

What you need to be concerned about is that the same conditions that weakened the immune system of your molly might be causing a weakened condition in your other fish. The bacteria that causes the disease are present in otherwise healthy tanks, and when the fish becomes weak, it takes advantage of the opportinity.

I suggest you try to remove whatever condition is at the bottom of the problem to prevent its spread.

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Thanks inchworm But I dont know if I can get the filter.My dad already says we already bought a LOT and I need to figure out a diff way with the tank and everything.I have two tanks,one 20 gal for my fish and my 2.5 for one of my bettas and I dont think I can go to the Petstore for anything but the Medication?

 

[black angel]

do you have test kits? these are vital in controlling the amount of build up of ammonia and nitrite levels that then make your fish weak then make them susceptible to bacterial infections. if you know the results of the test then you can work out how many water changes you need to perform. a filter just makes it easier for a bacterial colony to set up and help keep water quality good. of course you could get away with just water changes but you would need to do them more frequently.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi SMSBrunetteGirl

I think you will have some real problems with your tank, in the very near future, if you don't get the rest of the equipment you need. Perhaps you can show this thread to your Dad so he will understand how necessary it is.

Fishkeeping is partly science and partly art. If you read this, you will learn something about the science involved:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=10099

Of course, the part that matters to you will be the cycling with fish part, but read and understand just what is happening with both. The filter does more than just clean the water, it provides a place for the beneficial bacteria to grow. You need not have a big expensive one. Even a small air pump with box filters will work out just fine.

You have just started a great hobby that your whole family can enjoy. I hope you get the support and help to make that possible.