Discus Still Not Eating

[DiscusKeeper403]

Hey guys,

Well I have been treating the fish tank now for over a week. I have been using Metronidazole just incase it is an internal bacterial. I have also been using Praziquantal just incase it was an internal parasite infestation.... Still nothing. I noticed that the fish was pooping a lot after I started treatment and it carried on for a few days, but nothing anymore. He still isn't interested in food. Water stats and maintenance is the same. Should I continue on with the treatment or stop and try something else? I am going away for a week so I won't be able to get anything new for a little. I am really stumped on what the reason is...

 

[WILDER]

I would soak some flakes in garlic juice as it stimulates a fish appetite.

 

[cheesy feet]

I would carry on treating, if you think it helped in the first place...I don't know what else you can do, raise the temp to 30-31 for a few days?To speed up its motabalizm(sp).

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I would soak some flakes in garlic juice as it stimulates a fish appetite.

I make a fresh garlic paste and mix it into the food every time I mix my frozen food special. He never eats it, but all the other fish LOVE it!

cheesy_feet, I keep my temperature at 30 degrees normally, so I am not sure how much a degree would do...




I guess I am at a loss... I mine as well just keep up with the treatment but I think he is going to die...

 

[kribensis12]

Did you try Brine Shrimp? I have never had a fish decline it, espcially with a little bit of garlic. What are your water stat's? What is he in with? How many hiding places are ther? How is he behaviong? Theese are important thing's!

 

[WILDER]

To be honest can't think of anything else to get the fish to eat.
Not looking good, keeping fingers crossed.

 

[freerunner416]

I was talking to a guy a while ago and his discus only werent eating either. He didnt have the other problems you do though. He tried everything but the thing that got the fish eating in the end was that his g/f put her hand in the tank and hand fed them. Don't know if it will work for your guys but hopefully.

Goodluck

 

[LauraFrog]

I had a platy not eating - I put her in a floating net to bring her face close to the surface of the water and dripped crushed flakes into her mouth with an eyedropper. She swallowed them when I did that. I had no way to treat what was wrong with her though and she died. But it might keep the discus alive long enough to find a med that works.

 

[blue acara]

Intestinal Flagellates:
Symptoms: Your discus may quit eating or spit out it's food. White, stringy, muscus-like feces will hang like a thread from the anus. He may be dark in color and stay in the back of the tank away from the other discus.

Treat with Metronidazole sold in pet stores as Hex-A-Mit or Metrozol. Can be purchased online from several sources. 400 - 500 mg per 10 gallons of water. Tank temperature 92 degrees +. Dose each day after a 50% water change for 3 to 5 days. Use 92 degree water for water changes. Feed sparingly of favorite foods. Keep water temperature elevated for a week after treatment ends. It may take a week or so for the discus to regain it's appetite. In severe cases of long standing you may need to dose every 8 hours for three days. May dose all fish in tank or remove affected fish to hospital tank. Should not hurt your biofilter.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Thank you so much for all your advice!


I have been away for a week on vacation. I had my Dad look after the tank. Sadly one of my Discus died, but not the one that is sick!


The one that died was very skinny though, it was abused by it's previous owner and wasn't feed for a long time. I got it all skinny and it looked like it had nothing on him but skin...



Anyways, the Discus in question is still living. Saw him pass another bowl movement, that has the glossy yellow puss look to it... I will keep treating with Metro and increase tank temperature. Hopefully he will get better. I'll try to hand feed him tomorrow!

If that doesn't work then I guess he will be gone. It is sad when you do everything correct and something like this has to happen, when a fish gets sick and it seems uncureable... Oh well, I guess thats just life!



Thanks again for all the help,

DL