Malnourished or sick?

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

Been in QT for ~2weeks. Started out fine, but after being out of town for a few days and coming home, he's looking pale. Thought maybe he didn't get enough to eat while I was gone, but it hasn't gotten better in the past 3 days.

I tried a FW dip this morning, but no sign of flukes.

Day after I got him

Today, his blue is very pale, white-ish colored now.

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

And I just noticed the tattered fins. Infection?

@melypr1985 @Humblefish

Humblefish · Dec 28, 2016

dragon99 said:
And I just noticed the tattered fins. Infection?

Yes; I would dose a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Kanaplex or Furan-2. Or even Melafix might be beneficial if the infection is gram positive (impossible to know for sure).

However, I feel it likely that a preexisting parasitic infestation (probably ich or velvet) is at the root of the problem here. So, I would also begin dosing copper or CP.

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

I have Kanaplex and CP, will that be OK together?

Humblefish · Dec 28, 2016

dragon99 said:
I have Kanaplex and CP, will that be OK together?

Yes; but add extra gas exchange (air stone or powerhead pointed towards the surface) to compensate for oxygen depletion.

jenreefer · Dec 28, 2016

I agree, treat for both. there appears to be redness around gills which would suggest parasites. I use CP and antibiotics together to effect. Also always have air stone for extra O2

ahiggins · Dec 28, 2016

I love his big eyes lol
He looks like baby animals that have ears/face too big for their body

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

Wish I hadn't waited to ask for help. Thanks for the advice.

Humblefish · Dec 28, 2016

jenreefer said:
I agree, treat for both. there appears to be redness around gills which would suggest parasites. I use CP and antibiotics together to effect. Also always have air stone for extra O2

It's worth mentioning that redness around gills is also a sign of ammonia burn, so please check for that.

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

Ammonia badge is yellow, but I'll keep an eye on it.

melypr1985 · Dec 28, 2016

Humblefish said:
Yes; I would dose a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Kanaplex or Furan-2. Or even Melafix might be beneficial if the infection is gram positive (impossible to know for sure).

However, I feel it likely that a preexisting parasitic infestation (probably ich or velvet) is at the root of the problem here. So, I would also begin dosing copper or CP.

+1 Great advice in this thread! Keep us posted on how he does @dragon99

4FordFamily · Dec 28, 2016

I agree on great advice and most often discoloration (especially lightening or patchy litter spots) is a symptom of velvet in angelfish.

dragon99 · Dec 28, 2016

His color is a little darker this evening, so hopefully the FW dip helped enough for the meds to do their work.

He came out when I put some food in, but didn't take anything.

dragon99 · Jan 1, 2017

Looking much better, color is significantly improved, and appetite is improved.

I've done 2 doses of Kanaplex now, with a ~30% WC in between (re-dosed CP in new water).

melypr1985 · Jan 1, 2017

dragon99 said:
Looking much better, color is significantly improved, and appetite is improved.

I've done 2 doses of Kanaplex now, with a ~30% WC in between (re-dosed CP in new water).

Awesome! Keep up with the kanaplex for the full ten days. You don't wanna stop it early