External Bacteria

drufly · May 9, 2008

Hi i have put this Question out in the cold water section with no replies so i thought i would try heere.

1 Of my fantails has got what looks like a scab on its tail, i was told it was a bacterial infection but does any1 have any guidence on how to clear it up get rid of it

cheers :good:

jonnyf84 · May 9, 2008

can you post a picture please.

Colin_T · May 9, 2008

Bacterial infections don't normally cause a scab. They usually cause the infected area to go red and inflamed. A white lumpy thing on the tail could be an external parasite like fish lice (Argulus) or anchorworm (Lernaea).
As suggested by Jonny, a pic would be a definite help

drufly · May 9, 2008

Believe me i have tried he just dont like the camera lol.

just took another look at him now it doesnt seem to be a scab but more a change in the colour just at the start of the tail

Colin_T · May 9, 2008

well bribe the fish, offer it a lolly for letting you take its picture. Tell the fish it will become famous and could be the next super model of the fish world

GoldFish can change colour to some degree. If the tail is white and the edge is starting to go red then it could be bacterial. If the tail is orange and starting to go white then it could just be a colour change. If it is starting to go black it could be cell damage (similar to bruising).

Have you checked the water quality because most fish health problems are related to poor water quality. Low PH will cause issues as will ammonia, nitrite & nitrate readings.
Regular partial water changes and gravel cleans go a long way to keeping goldfish healthy and disease free. How often do you do water changes and how much do you change?
Is the tank filtered and how long has it been running for?
And any more info on the problem would be helpful.

drufly · May 10, 2008

Well the tank has been running for nearly 2 months. It is filtered nnot too sure of the name but it is bigger than needed for the capacity.

The fish is a dark golden brown near black. The effected area is red and white.

Water is changed every week, approx 25% and a dechlorinator added. The other 2 goldfish are spot on no probs with them, same as the weather loach that lves with them

WILDER · May 10, 2008

How many gallons is the tank.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats would be good, in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.
If the fish has a red sore with white around the edges its and ulcer.

drufly · May 10, 2008

Wilder said:
How many gallons is the tank.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats would be good, in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.
If the fish has a red sore with white around the edges its and ulcer.

The tank is 35ltrs
Tank mates are 2 other fantails and a weather loach all healthy.

Not sure of the water stats, none left.

Going to bag it and take it to lfs and see what they say or if they have anything for it.

WILDER · May 10, 2008

I would take all the goldfish back to the lfs that tanks way to small and they will all die.
The first goldfish alone needs 20 gallons, than 10 gallons for every other goldifsh added.
They are massive waste producers and need double the filter size to the tank.

http

/www.fbas.co.uk/Ulcers.html

drufly · May 10, 2008

The filter is bigger than needed.

It is only a temp home as im am loking to upgrade my tropical tank from a 90ltr to 180 mayb 240ltr, then put the goldfish in the smaller. Just aint found a good cheap tank in my area.