Angelfish Ventral Fins, Food Stuck Or Fungus? (Pic)

[ccdd93]

Hi,

Just signed up to this forum so sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place.

Basically, I have noticed my platinum angelfish's ventral fins have developed white cottony bits at the end of them, saw the smallest red dot at the stump of the fin too but that went this is causing one of the fins to go shorter than the other like its eating it away. I know what you're thinking, fungus? - I've treated one dose for that using Love Fish anti bacteria & fungus fish treatment which said repeat after 7 days if problem still consists and its now been 7 days and its still present, even showing on the other ventral fin. (Will use fungus treatment again today like instructed, better to be safe than sorry)

I read today from a previous forum which somebody posted that because these fins can be sticky and dangle down, they can drag across the aquarium floor and food may attach itself to the fin, if it stays there it could rot the fin away and to wipe it with a damp cloth

This has thrown me a little bit because now I can't distinguish whether its fungus or food. See pics below (if to small/doesn't show then please use link)
Sorry about the quality had to use my phone, tried to outline the areas with a red circle. Very hard to notice anything but I thought id give it a go











http/img829.imageshack.us/img829/1020/shadowofthefluff.jpg

http/img193.imageshack.us/img193/3721/img02612201208151929.jpg

http/img820.imageshack.us/img820/1753/img02612201208151929sam.jpg

http/img594.imageshack.us/img594/6840/img02662201208152228.jpg

I will provide the following information too, see if this helps:

Tank size: 75L (16.5 gallons)- Will be upgrading my tank in a month or so this is only a temporary size. I'll be buying either 180L(40Gallons)or 240L(53Gallons) depending on what I can afford.

The below are tested with an API Fresh water master kit:
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0.25ppm (was at zero a week ago, this changes from 0 to 0.25 regularly)
nitrite: 0ppm
nitrate: 40ppm
kH: 0 (mg?) - Tested with King British test strips (Not the most reliable source I know)
gH: 300(mg?) - Also had to test with strips don't have liquid tests for these two
tank temp: varies between 25-28°C(78.8F-80.6F)

Volume and Frequency of water changes: I try to change my water every 3-4 weeks, I do a partial water change with Tap Safe solution, I did use ammo-lock when doing water changes but I have ran out but I'm wondering if it is irrelevant to use it anyway, unless the ammonia level is high?

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:
Aqua flow 200 - description is 'The dual-action filter cartridge with fully open-structure filter foam and active carbon provides optimal filtering and clear, clean water'

(Currently removed my active carbon as instructed by the fungus treatment leaflet)

Fish currently in the aquarium:

1 Platinum Angelfish
2 Bristlenose Pleco
1 Minnow
1 zebra Loach
1 Clown Loach (another reason for upgrading my tank size as I've recently found out they need tons more space to grow. Also ive noticed my Loach trying to nip the Angel not sure if this has played a part in this)
2 Emerald Cory Catfish

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):

Nothing added recently, just some artificial plants, stone temple ornament, rocks and gravel. (when I upgrade my tank I will be getting some caves for plecos/loaches to hide in and I'm considering live plants but will have to do some more research) see pic below:



http/img826.imageshack.us/img826/114/img02661201208152152tan.jpg

I appreciate any advice,

CCDD93

_____________________UPDATE___________________

Done the second dose of treatment now.

I've just turned my light out and saw something I couldn't see in the light. got hold of a better camera, Please help, see pics!

At first I thought they were bubbles on the scales but then bits started flaking. its like she's shedding dead skin off it's like her scales are falling off, the image with the arrow shows her tail is even shedding bits like strings of cotton, what is this?

____________ Been reading and apparently its like her slime coat is coming off, either from the treatment or microbubbles?__________




OR http/img269.imageshack.us/img269/6635/arrowyk.jpg



OR http/img687.imageshack.us/img687/5357/circled.jpg



OR http/img21.imageshack.us/img21/3533/scalesa.jpg



OR http/img39.imageshack.us/img39/1949/scales3.jpg



OR http/img690.imageshack.us/img690/9742/scales4.jpg

 

[thereverendturtle]

Looks like your tank is a bit over stocked. Your water change schedule should be 40-50% a week. Angelfish if stressed can be very sensitive to bacterial and viral infections.

 

[Dazzler666]

Although ive never kept Angels so cant be specific but just some some ideas how to help your poor fish .... Do you have carbon in your filter? If so remove it as it absorbs the treatment, check the inyernet for the sympts your fish is displaying, your ammonia should be ZERO ... What filter are you running?
Id look at making your water tip top so consider 50% water changes DAILY, at least for a week then see how she goes!!!
Oh, what test kit are you using? Have/do you twst your tap water to see what the readings are?
I assume you using some form of de-chlor .... If using Seachem Prime this will help reduce Mmonia poisoning but you need to find out why you got ammonia.
Hope this helps but really just more & more research.
Sorry i couldnt be more help .