Guppy now poops through a hole in her side but seems happy

[abanole]

Hi everyone,

I have a longstanding mum guppy that developed a red spot. It turned into a hole in her side that she now excretes through. She seems happy enough in all other respects - eating / moving / socialising.

I have a 55 litre tank - guppies and Corys. Slightly overstocked due to baby guppies growing up but I keep a tight watch on parameters - all good.

Salt is added during each bi-weekly water change as well as daily
Melafix dose at the moment.

Temps remains stable at circa 28c.

Any ideas?

 

[Innesfan]

I have no comment about or experience with the guppy's issue, but 28C is awfully warm for guppies and corys.

Also not clear about your salt regimen. You say:

<<Salt is added during each bi-weekly water change as well as daily>>

You add salt every day?

 

[abanole]

Sorry - no I only add salt with water changes

 

[Essjay]

Are you adding salt temporarily as a treatment or do you you always add it?

 

[abanole]

I Always add it

 

[Essjay]

Freshwater fish should not have salt in the water. They have not evolved to cope with it. Salt should only be added to freshwater tanks for a maximum of 4 weeks as a treatment for some illnesses.

If I may, I suggest you start doing water changes without salt to slowly dilute the salt out out of the tank water.

 

[GaryE]

There are a few things that could have done that to the guppy. It's a serious injury, but if she's doing okay, that's the best of a bad situation.

I would keep fancy guppies and Corys at 23/24. It's better for them and cheaper for you.

My understanding of London water from talking with aquarists there is that it's quite hard already. Back in the mists of time (or when I started with this hobby) it was the no water change era, and many people added salt. I stopped doing that when I started doing water changes, and have never looked back. Guppies are good with it, but it's a harsh medication for Corys.

It would, however, have nothing to do with that injury to the guppy.

 

[abanole]

Thank you - that’s great advice