Indestructable Danios Are Sick

[haddock]

Hi
My 4 zebra danios appear to be ill - the only sympton seems to be red fin and tail bases, one fish has red streaks on its underside too. The fin structure seems fine ie. not like fin rot. They seem to be behaving fine too but I'm concerned that this will get worse and spread to my other fish.
My tank is 1 year old, 50G, planted and not over stocked. My water stats are good although last week my nitrAtes were almost at 40 (back to 10 now).
Also last week I had a pair of lovely albino kribs die for no apparent reason a few days after buying them - the danio symptoms appeared round about the same time - dunno if this is related.

Anyway, I hope someone can help.

ps I did try and search the forum to save me asking but both "fin" and "red" are below the 4 character search limit!

 

[WILDER]

Not the writer of this information below.
Septicemia



Symptoms:

Fish may have reddening at fin bases, blood streaks throughout the fins and body, small hemorrhages around the eyes. Dull listless behavior and lack of appetite may also be present.



Cause:

Systemic bacterial infection caused by various bacteria, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. The illness is often brought on by poor water quality or as a result of parasitic infestations or other infections. These bacteria enter the blood stream and circulate through the tissues causing inflammation and damage. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin and at fin bases stand out. Blood vessel and heart tissue damage cause hemorrhaging and consequently leakage of body fluids into the abdomen, which may lead to Dropsy.



Treatment:

Water conditions must be improved for all fish in the tank, regardless of how many fish are infected. Check your water’s Treat with Kanacyn or Tetracycline as well as with a medicated food if the fish will eat. If parasites are suspected, all the fish in the tank should be treated with antiparasitic medication. Using salt to help restore osmotic balance might be helpful.

 

[haddock]

Thanks again Wilder - that sounds like it might be it.

Problem is that I am pregnant - I don't want to be coming into contact with Kanamycin or Tetracyclin, especially not putting my hands in treated tank water. Have you ever used the medicated foods mentioned in the article? This would be a safer option for me?

 

[WILDER]

Yes i agree, don't think you can get medicated food over here, will your partner do it for you, only med available in the uk is interpet anti internal bacteria med, as antibiotics are only available through a vet.

Interpet no.9
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...tp=100&rets=231

Forgot congratulations, have you long to go.

 

[haddock]

Thanks, will try and get some of the Interpet stuff.
Just did a quick google search and some articles say Melafix works against septicemia - this is just tea tree oil isn't it? What do you think?

Hubby does water changes for me already - he's not a fishy person so I'd better not push my luck

still 6 months to go - its ages to wait!

 

[WILDER]

You could add the melafix with the internal bacteria med, as it might not be strong enough on its own, as melafix treat the outside infection, and the internal will treat the inside infection, i would get the med quickly as septicemia soon kills a fish, good luck.
Congrats again on being pregnant.

 

[haddock]

Thanks wilder, will get meds tommorow.