Please help

Jarbour14 · Apr 12, 2020

Hello I have been involved with saltwater tanks for years but my father is having an issue with his freshwater tank we just cant figure out so I may aswell reach out here for help. His albino pleco died a few days ago from sores and heavy breathing. Now his other fish are showing signs please help.

thanks!

SMSREEF · Apr 12, 2020

Hopefully someone on #reefsqaud has experience with fresh water.

I don’t but wish the best with your Dad’s tank and hope someone can help.

Crabs McJones · Apr 12, 2020

Just to be clear, we welcome questions from all types, salt or freshwater. Most reefers have a freshwater tank or have great experience with freshwater tanks as most start with freshwater before taking the step into salt.
From the looks of it you may have a bacterial infection running rampant in the tank. Does he have multiple gouramis? The Pearl's can be territorial.
Are you running any meds in the tank currently?

Jarbour14 · Apr 13, 2020

He hasnt ran any meds as of yet since we just started seeing the problem. His gouramis have also been in the tank for over 2 years with no problems. Any recommendations on what meds to run?

NewGoby · Apr 13, 2020

100% bacterial infection, I'd recommend trying - JBL Ektol Bac, I've had great experiences with other JBL products in the past - although have no personal experience with this specific product.

Until you have the stuff, you can grind up fresh garlic cloves, and soak food in the garlic with a bit of tank water mixed in, before feeding take out most of the big garlic pieces, and just toss in the food & the water.

Garlic has anti-bacterial properties.

Good luck!