. I do apologize, @Lilyann as I can sense your impatience in my not responding immediately. I have a life outside the home and had to leave for a short period Again, my sincerest apologies .
Ha ha! I hope you do. No need for apologies- its all good.. I do apologize, @Lilyann as I can sense your impatience in my not responding immediately. I have a life outside the home and had to leave for a short period Again, my sincerest apologies .
I respectfully disagree that any aquatic hobbyist should even have an aquatic medicine bag.and is something that every aquatic hobbyist should keep I. Their aquatic medicine bag.
Well, you can certainly disagree. I don’t mind at all. However, I do keep appropriate species in appropriate environments and have still had to deal with issues before. For instance, when my Popeye goldfish scraped his eye I tried just clean water and salt but it went into an infection. I had to treat with antibiotic ca to cure the infection. We all have our opinions on meds. I respect yours and ask the same of you, my friend.I respectfully disagree that any aquatic hobbyist should even have an aquatic medicine bag.
I don't think its coincidence or good luck that those who regularly dose fresh clean water, and keep appropriate species in an appropriate environment, have very little experience with dealing with illness.
Okay, let me understand this. So, when you are unsure of a diagnosis you recommend nitrofurazone and kanamycin in combination as a rule. Thats interesting- very unorthodox.No, I do not believe it is columnaris. However, Kanaplex and Furan-2 work best together when tests are not done on the fish to determine proper diagnosis. Attempting to diagnose any other way is dangerous and unfair to the fish and the member.
@Lilyann, I do not blanket suggest that these meds be used. However, they are the best we have readily available as they treat both fungal and bacterial. I am so glad you are here to lead us in diagnosis and treatment of fish diseases. We have been struggling to do our best with the experience and knowledge that we have on this forum. We need an aquatic vet.Ok, Lilyann.
I am well aware of all of this,@Lilyann. I agree 100%. I always look at parameters, is tank cycled, temps, food, anything new added, etc before going on to attempt to help a member. We do our best, that is all we can do. I have years of experience as you do and my bff is an aquatic research analyst which helps me so much. I originally suggested clean water and salt but then after thinking more decided we needed to go with the Kanaplex and Furan. I am puzzled as to why you are questioning this as you too, eventually suggested the Kanaplex.I am no where near an aquatic vet.
But, I can help you with diagnosis. I am sure of it.
Remember, we are only as good as the information that the member provides. But, it is our responsibility if helping with illnesses to look at it in its entirety. It is a complex process that takes elimination: beginning with water quality ( cycling, maintenance, filtration), environmental issues ( fish compatibility, tank conditions aligned with fish- KH/GH and TDS, temperature) and nutrition.
Only then do you go on to possible pathogens/secondary illnesses: parasitic, bacterial, viral. 9 times out of 10 they are the result and not the cause.
I am not for a moment suggesting we should not treat or medicate where required. It was the mental image of a bunch of aquarists running around with black bags to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. Fish aren't that fragile and keeping fish is not that hard. But it does require discipline. I am always amused at fish profiles that read "only suitable for experienced fishkeepers".We all have our opinions on meds. I respect yours and ask the same of you, my friend.