Sick Cichlid

[meerkat]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I have an african cichlid and he is in an established tank. I have had him for several months and he was given to me and was already in an established tank. I must admit I have yet to do any chemical test of the water. I think he has finrot, his fins have turned white and there is cottony stuff (possibly scales) floating in the water not on him, he has also stopped eating. I understand that there is fungal and bacterial fin rot, since there is no cottony substance on him it seems to be bacterial fin rot. He also has some red on one fin also making me sure that it is finrot. I do a 25% water change every week and treat water with dechlorinators. Also I have two snails in my tank will these be affected by any treatment immediate help would be appreciated!
thank you

ps. I forgot to mention my heater some how malfunctioned about two days ago and I had a water temperature drop from around 78 to 72 degrees F. I have fixed this problem but I understand it may have stressed the fish.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Meerkat....I would guess that you are overfeeding.....The white "cottony" stuff floating around is uneaten foods with fungal growths and all visible external signs you observe on the fish (red in fins etc.) is due to the fouled water....

Because you perceive your fish not to be eating, you are feeding more to encourage him to eat and this perpetuates the problem.... weekly 25% changes will not suffice.

Siphon your gravel thoroughly and do a 80% water change...... do not feed for about 3 days, and thereafter, only once a day (about 5 pellets) if it is alone in this tank (as I'm assuming).

 

[meerkat]

Thanks for your help! He is in a tank with only two snails. They are apple snails will they be ok? I just completed a 50% water change and put in one algae tablet for the snails. No more fish food for a while.... the fish food is probably around a half year old and I suspect its nutritional value has depleted.

 

[meerkat]

I checked my tank and haven't put any food in it since the water change and am still getting that white floating cottony stuff. I will keep an eye on my fish but if he gets worse what should the treatment be?