Convict Cichlid Problem

[DAlmond123]

My convict cichlid had a fungus white cottony growth on it, so I'm now treating it with Pimafix. But what I really want to know is what causes the fungus growth?

 

[WILDER]

Size of tank in gallons or litres.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.

Where is the growth on the fish.
If the growth looks like cotton wool its columnaris which is bacterial.Also strand of cotton can be columnaris.
What's your location.

 

[DAlmond123]

25 gallons

It just has two convict cichlids. They are a pair.

Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 10
pH = 7.2

The growth is on its mouth and sides. It seems to go away, and then come back.

My location is in U.S.

 

[WILDER]

Can you issolate the fish and use maracyn.

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

 

[DAlmond123]

The sores aren't greyish like the articles says. It's more of a pinkish color. Will the Pimafix not work?

 

[WILDER]

I would still use a bacterial med.


United states maracyn one and two.

Pimafix is no good on columnaris.

 

[DAlmond123]

Well I just don't know then. I just went out & bought the Pimafix yesterday and it was well over $10. I was told by the main guy over the fish at the pet store that the Pimafix would help. I just don't have the money for the medications.

 

[WILDER]

Ok.
Do you have any melafix aswell.

Do you have any friends in fishkeeping that have maracyn.

 

[DAlmond123]

I don't have any melafix. What that work better? Pimafix is an anti fungal and the columnaris is a fungus right? Even though it is caused by bacteria.

 

[WILDER]

Columnaris is bacterial.

You can use melafix and pimafix together, but I don't rate the meds much for columnaris if it's a bad strain.

A bad strain of columnaris needs meds like maracyn or even antibiotics.
I would only suggest using antibiotics in issolation.

 

[DAlmond123]

Thanks! I would hate to have to let this one go. I don't have any money to buy more meds & all of my friends that keep fish don't have any of it.

Thanks again though!

 

[WILDER]

Let me know how you get on with the pimafix.

Soak his food in garlic juice to boost his immune system.

 

[DAlmond123]

Where can you find garlic juice & is it really safe for fish?

 

[WILDER]

You can buy foods at the lfs with garlic in it.
Or press a garlic clove to get the juice out.
Garlic safe to use with fish.

 

[DAlmond123]

Thanks! I'll keep you updated.