Injury/infection with rainbow shark

[scpleco]

Hello!
I have a rainbow shark that I had believed injured himself at some point, though I did not see what happened to him. He has a sore on his right upper jaw/face and I’m unsure of the best way to treat it. Unfortunately I do not have a good hospital tank set up and was hoping it would heal on its own, but it has not. The sore has not affected his ability to eat or his activity levels. I have noticed some flashing and his eye is now cloudy.
The tank is a 55 gallon community tank with sand substrate, drift wood, and artificial plants. The parameters are mostly good; the Ph=7.4 due to our tap water, I have been battling elevated nitrates for a long time and it is currently at 30ppm, and I’ve had a recent spike in ammonia which is at 0.25ppm. I believe the ammonia is because I cleaned my canister filter recently trying to help lower the nitrates, the levels are on the decline.
I tried my best to get pictures, but he’s a bit camera shy lol I would really like to try and help this guy and any advice is appreciated, thank you!!

 

[scpleco]

Boosting because I could really use some help

 

[MaloK]

Does it look yellowish ?

Maracyn or If the infection appears fungal (white, cottony growth) any strong antifungal could do.

Long term good water and high quality food.

 

[scpleco]

I don’t think it looks yellowish, so maybe I’ll try an antifungal then. Thank you!

 

[fishorama]

How long has he had that? It looks to me like a wound/scrape that lots of water changes could help. Have you tried frequent WCs? Every day if you can or a much & as often as you can manage.

But it may be past that & time for meds. Does it look any smaller than when you first noticed it? I would go with both Maracin 1 & 2 at the same time. Water change before redosing.

 

[scpleco]

Thank you! He’s had it for some time. I was trying WC’s, but to no avail. It was pretty stagnant for a while, but recently seemed to be getting worse so I think it’s time for meds.
I think I will try Maracyn, but since I need to treat the whole tank I’m a bit nervous. Is there anything I should be aware of before moving ahead?

 

[Fishfunn]

It looks like a bacteria infection, and it has spread to the popeye on the right eye. I would use Maracyn 1 (Erthomyicyn) treatment, which is an antibiotic and very effective with popeye. As other posters suggested, if Maracyn 1 doesn't clear it up in a few days, you can dose with Maracyn 2. Both antibiotics together cover gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria infections.

I think I will try Maracyn, but since I need to treat the whole tank I’m a bit nervous. Is there anything I should be aware of before moving ahead?

Maracyn will not harm an established cycled filter.

 

[MaloK]

Maracyn 2 is toxic to invertebrates and light sensitive, if you are using it, leave the light off or reduced.

They are claiming maracyn 1 and 2 to be safe with biofiltration but both medications still target bacteria... I would watch for ammonia and nitrite during treatment to keep on the safe side.

 

[scpleco]

Good to know, thank you everyone!