Peppered Cory Cut

[Fintastic!]

I've just noticed that one of my peppered corys has a cut above his barbels. It's a big enough red mark. Quite noticable. He's acting the same as normal. What should I do? Will I leave him be and keep an eye on him or should I add something to the water? I have a bottle of general health med I got from the lfs some time ago but that's all I have. I've never added meds before. I have no idea what happened to the poor thing.

 

[snazy]

If it is a cut, then just keep the water clean by small water changes everyday.
If the tank water is in good condition, with good filtration, there is no need to worry. It will heal itself rather quickly.
You should check the tank for sharp objects instead.
Some people add medication to prevent future bacteria/fungus affecting the fish, but that will only happen in bad water conditions, same as if you cut your finger and then leave it dirty.
Just keep an eye on him/her

 

[XeroTolerance]

^ Do this but be sure to be adding a product like StressCoat + or Prime to the water daily to help its slime coat. The thicker the coat the faster it'l heal.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

If the cut is red, this could mean a bacterial infection has started, in which case adding a broad spectrum anti-bacterial med lke Myxazin ought to help.

 

[Fintastic!]

Thanks a million guys. The only med I have to hand is Tetra Tonic. It says it's for a broad range of ailments including wounds. Can I add this even though the other fish are fine? It's 5ml per 20 litres so that's 45mls?
Will I also add Prime? (I assume that's Seachem prime dechlor?).
Sorry for my lack of knowledge. I haven't needed to do this before now luckily.

 

[XeroTolerance]

You should be okay with adding the tonic. It shouldn't affect any of the other fish. Yes, be sure to keep adding Prime because it helps provide a slime coat for the fish.

 

[Fintastic!]

I'll do that. Thanks for the advice!

 

[snazy]

I think general "Tonic" is not the right word. It is a chemical. Does the fish look like having an infection?

 

[XeroTolerance]

I'll do that. Thanks for the advice!

No problem! just be sure to not overdose too much with the medication or else it may stress out your fish.

 

[Fintastic!]

Ok. I've added the amount stated in the instructions. The water has a green tint to it now. I also added some Prime. All fish are very active since I added the med. They seem fine, just very busy. Will I do a water change tomorrow and add more, or do I leave it as it is for a few days?
Snazy, it looks like a little cut. It looked worse yesterday. It's just above the barbels. The med I used is called TetraTonic. It says it for various fish ailments including wounds and infections.

 

[XeroTolerance]

I would do a 25% water change every two days from now on if the fish stay the same as they are. When you do a water change be sure to add more of the medication if it looks like it is needed.

 

[Fintastic!]

Thanks XeroT!

 

[XeroTolerance]

Thanks XeroT!

No problem!

 

[Fintastic!]

All seems well again! No sign of the red mark. As well as water changes, do I need to put my carbon sponge into the filter?

 

[XeroTolerance]

Thats good to hear.

You can put your carbon sponge in the filter if you want too now.