Fin Rot? Help

[puck1970]

Hi, I am new to the board and hoping somebody can help me???

I have had 4 ordinary (I think lovely and extra-ordinary) goldfish in a 55 litre tank which were doing fine until a few days ago. 3 of the fish have a white slightly fluffy edge to tail and fins and white patches (kind of fluffy) on their eyes, also the 2 larger ones are slighty fuzzy, like they are a little out of focus?. They seem quite happy in their own right.

I have checked the wtaer quality and had it checked by my local fish shop and it is fine. I have done a 50% water change and treated with Interpet No8. I did the first treatment last week but needed to change the water as I had already treated for white spot on 1 fish that has since died. I was advised to do a 50% change then and put a filter back in then and wait 2-3 days to re treat. After the first time they appeared to get a bit better even with removing the chemical treatment. As I said I have now done the treatment properly and taked out the charcoal bit of the filter (monday) and they seem to be looking worse. Please please give me some advice!!!

Puck1970

 

[WILDER]

Tanks well overstocked, you need 20gal for the first goldfish then 10gal for every other fish added, as they are big waste producers.
You have columnaris

Not the writer of this information below.
fish will have off-white to gray cotton-like patches on the head, fins, gills, body and particularly the mouth. In time, these areas will develop into open sores. Gill swelling may occur, gill filaments may stick together and excessive mucus may develop in the gill area. Rapid breathing can be seen. Fins may deteriorate to the point of leaving the fin rays bare. Muscles may be inflamed and capillaries may rupture. Fish, particularly livebearers, may exhibit "shimmying". Infection may be acute (killing an infected fish within hours), or chronic (lingering for several days before eventually killing the fish). As with most diseases, not all symptoms need be present.



Cause:

The bacterium Flexibacter columnaris.



Treatment:

Ensure that your water conditions (e.g., Ammonia, Nitrite, pH, Nitrate levels, and water temp.) are within their proper ranges. If not, perform a water change and/or treat the water accordingly. Recommended medications include: Furanace, Fungus Eliminator, Fungus Cure, Furacyn, Furan-2, Triple Sulfa, E.M. Tablets, Tetracycline, or Potassium Permanganate. Medicated foods are also recommended. Columnaris can be highly infectious and may quickly kill all aquarium inhabitants; therefore, early treatment is essential. All fish, including those not yet showing visible symptoms, as well as the aquarium they inhabit should be treated.





http/article.discusnews.com/cat-02/columnaries.shtml

 

[Ginge]

But basically you either need to get rid of 3 of these fish or get a much bigger tank as goldfish are so messy they need alot of tank.

 

[puck1970]

Thanks for the advice, it is very helpful.

Going on most of the advice we have seen and read we thought the 55 litres was spot on for 4 fish, "Cold water 1” of fish per gallon (2.5cm per 4.5 litres)" and we have about 8 inches of fish in total so 12 gallons seemed ideal. If what you say is true which I am sure it is would it not mean that you could not even keep one fish in my tank?

Many thanks again, I really appreciate the quick response.

Puck1970

 

[WILDER]

Believe me they are massive waste producers, and i can't believe your water stats are fine as they soon will mess that tank up, i have two fancy goldlfish in a 40gal and clean it twice a week.
Plus they need big excellent filters.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=43980

 

[Ginge]

For example if you have fancy goldfish in there they can get to 10"