Clown Loach problem

[Joe Fuzz 4]

Problem: Clown loaches have developed white patches that look like the skin has been bleached, also looks a little bit like dried salt. Started off as small patches from the tail end and is spreading. First clown loach started with it 3 days ago and now 4 in total have the same patches. Have had the clownies for 4 years with no problems!

All fish are happy, playful and feeding as greedily as ever!

20% water change every week, 50% every 4 weeks.
Chemicals and treatments added – water conditioner and stress coat for water changes.

Water parameters (hope I’ve got those right my girlfriend is typing in at work!): Ammonia – 0/0.25, Nitrate – 0.25, Nitrite – 10/20, PH – 7.6, Temp – 27-28, Hard water.

Tank mates are: 1 synodontis, 3 corys, 2 (peaceful!) parrots, 1 sucking loach, 1 crab, 3 Burmese polka dot loaches, neons, 8 Tiger barbs, 1 plec
Tank size is 300 litres with 40-watt UV filter.
No new fish added recently.

 

[Joviella]

Any chance of some pics?
Your tank should really have no ammonia or nitrite at all.Those readings should be 0ppm.

 

[Joe Fuzz 4]

The readings have always been about the same, but I know that you're right, they should be at 0.

I've got a photo taken on my mobile which would be helpful to show but it wouldn't let me add it!

I'll give it another go.

 

[Joviella]

It would definitely help to identify your problem,with a pic.

 

[Joe Fuzz 4]

I just can't get the photo to load up! I know it's hard to suggest without seeing the problem. I've rules out slime, velvet and white spot so wondering whether it's a fungus of some kind. I'm just hoping that because they are still playful and eating that it's not something that's going to kill them.

 

[Joviella]

It could well be a fungus....Its really difficult to say without seeing it.Have you tried googling for fish diseases and matching it up?Just an idea.......Good Luck.x.

 

[Joviella]

Oh......and if anyone suggests adding salt to your tank.....please don't.Your clown loaches and cories can't have salt in their water.

 

[Joe Fuzz 4]

Tried looking day in day out on the net to see if something matches up but nothing. I'll keep trying though!

Thanks for replying.

 

[WILDER]

Patches on fish like that can be columnaris a bacteria infection or parasite, any trialing mucas with it, any flicking and rubbing on objects.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.nippyfish.net/flexibacter.html

 

[wwestar2000]

My cusins pleco has that problem 2. Let me just say my cusin is really stupid in fish keeping and if it weren't for me all the fish would be dead. I tell her constantly to stop adding salt to the water because of the pleco but she keeps doing it. And he alsohas the signs of that. Maybe because you use salt?

 

[Joe Fuzz 4]

Thanks for the advice.

The patches aren't 'cottony' or raised at all - they are completely flat, just like the colour has been bleached off. The first Clown that got it seems to be getting a bit better on one side.

We've never used salt in the tank.

 

[WILDER]

Do the gill have mucas on them, you can get bleach out skin with bacteria infections

 

[WILDER]

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/hdcolumn.htm

 

[Joe Fuzz 4]

No mucus at all, the patches look 'dry'. The first clown to be affected looks as if one of his sides is getting bit better. I hope so! If we keep the water healthy then maybe this will clear itself up. Here's hoping.