Rainbow Shark

[I Make Gum]

HI, I have read that rainbow sharks (Epalzeorhyncus frenatum) are sensitive to some meds? I think my shark has columnaris (Flexibacter?) He is showing some grey patches, they don't seem fuzzy or raised. I am going to isolate him to keep a closer eye on him. He moves a lot and is hard to view.
It seemed, though, that there was one patch on his right side, just above the paired ventral caudal (or is it called pelvic?) fins. THe more I look at it, the more I'm convinced it is columnaris. I am noticing other greyish white patches. They seem fuzzy or hazy to look through. I can see scales but the lines around them seem blurry? Does that make sense?
My question: can I treat him with the recommended dosage for the QT tank i'll put him in? Can I use salt? ANy experiences helpful.
THanks,
-Gum

 

[WILDER]

How many gallons is the tank.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph.
Any signs of flicking and rubbing.
Columnaris is caused by bad water quality, overstocking, and temp being unstable.
For columnaris in the uk myxazin and pimafix.
United states maracyn one and two.
If there plenty of aeration in the tank the fish should be ok.

 

[I Make Gum]

How many gallons is the tank.
How many fish and which type.
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph.
Any signs of flicking and rubbing.
Columnaris is caused by bad water quality, overstocking, and temp being unstable.
For columnaris in the uk myxazin and pimafix.
United states maracyn one and two.
If there plenty of aeration in the tank the fish should be ok.

I isolated my shark in a 1 gal hospital tank. i know that is small, but that is all i have room for right now. Water stats are good: pH is usually 7.8, NH3/NH4 = 0 (I have a neutralizer) NO2=0, NO3 is usually 40-80ppm in an established tank. I used a fluval sponge filter that I charged with the slime from the sharks home tank while treating him.
no flicking no rubbing

sorry i didn't put all the stats in there initially.

i think the problem started from the temperature fluctuating. I don't have an air conditioner put in yet and it is getting hot here. Some days the temp in the tank was 85.0F and then it would cool off the next day to about 75-76F. The shark was looking stressed during that time (clamped fins, pale color)

i treated him for a week with Melafix and Pimafix. the patches seem to have gone away. If I see that they have come back, then should I bump up the treatment to the heavy duty meds (Have maracyn I and II). Do I need to treat my shark regardless of whether or not the patches come back? The weather man has predicted hot weather again for the next few days....

 

[WILDER]

If the patches have gone I wouldn't bother with the maracyn just yet.
You do need aeration with meds.
In warm weather as long as there plenty of aeration in the tank the fish
will be ok.
Good luck.