Gold Sev Issue

[bballking]

My smallest Severum, a gold has what looks like big red sores at the base of his fins...The tip of his nose looks to be red also and a little at his tail. The only sores are at the fins though. He seems fine but this morning I noticed he also has diarrhea. Does anyone know what is wrong? Later today I can probably get a picture.

 

[WILDER]

Can you post water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, how many gallons is the tank, are they red patches or sores.

http/www.bobstropicalfish.com/diarrhea.html

As it's sounding like this at the moment, not the writer of this information below.

Septicemia



Symptoms:

Fish may have reddening at fin bases, blood streaks throughout the fins and body, small hemorrhages around the eyes. Dull listless behavior and lack of appetite may also be present.



Cause:

Systemic bacterial infection caused by various bacteria, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. The illness is often brought on by poor water quality or as a result of parasitic infestations or other infections. These bacteria enter the blood stream and circulate through the tissues causing inflammation and damage. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin and at fin bases stand out. Blood vessel and heart tissue damage cause hemorrhaging and consequently leakage of body fluids into the abdomen, which may lead to Dropsy.



Treatment:

Water conditions must be improved for all fish in the tank, regardless of how many fish are infected. Check your water’s Treat with Kanacyn or Tetracycline as well as with a medicated food if the fish will eat. If parasites are suspected, all the fish in the tank should be treated with antiparasitic medication. Using salt to help restore osmotic balance might be helpful.

 

[bballking]

Ok, Ph is at 7, Ammonia at 0, Nitrite at 0, and Nitrate seemed a little high at 20 so I did a 40% water change. The temperature of the tank is 78 degrees F, and the size is 75 gallons. He is a little under half grown as most of my fish are, me being pretty new at this and all, so even though eventually the tank will be overstocked it isn't at the moment. I'm working on getting rid of some fish right now. Oh, and as for filteration (I don't know if this will help or not, but I'll tell you anyway) I have an UGF with a AquaClear 70 Powerhead, and a Canister, not sure what make, but it is for a 125 Gallon I believe.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I agree with what wilder wrote. It sounds like a bacterial infection. Sometimes fish get sick for no aparent reason. Your water looks great, (just a heads up, usually 25% is the largest recomended water change as larger ones stress out the fish. You will need to treat with an antibacterial med. The diareah part you mentioned up top doesnt' sound good. Can you isolate this fish in a hospital tank to protect your other fish?

 

[bballking]

Oh 25%, ok I'll remember that. As far as a hospital tank, the only option I had for one I gave to my brother to house feeder fish for his piranha, and that is definitely not the place I want to put any fish of mine. I'll definitely get some medication though and since I can't remove him should I still add the recommended amount or less?

 

[tttnjfttt]

No, he will need the full dose of antibiotics. For a cheap(ish) solution for a hospital tank, walmart selsl 10 gallon kits for $30. Think of it this way, how much have you invested in fish? Where i get my clown loaches, they are $10, you've got four of them, so if those fish alone get sick and die, replacing them will be more than the cost of the hospital tank.

 

[bballking]

Since you put it that way, I'll have to go into town and get one, but one problem! I have school then either basketball practice or game until Saturday day, is there anything I can do to hold off until then?

 

[tttnjfttt]

any chance of getting your parents to help you out and pick it up? a 10 gal kit is a pretty simple order, especially if they like your tank. Or can you go after school/practice?

I'd really try to isolate him ASAP, along with starting meds in the entire tank if you must.

 

[bballking]

Ok, I'll do my best and thanks for the help guys!