Re: Fungus (sort-of OT)

[Ralph <eclod2002 at yahoo_com>]

Hi Charles,
The very low pH is required for these fish, their natural habitat is often as low as 3.5.  Almost all of the fish from the coccina complex come from waters with low pH such as this.  That is why that tank has a pH of 4.25.  It was achieved by filtering r/o water (reconstituted with freshwater essentials and r.o right to a tds of 20).  While I have maintained that it is often not necessary to breed at this lower pH, some anabantoid experts are adamant about keeping them at a pH of below 5.0.
As for a neglected tank, I find that to be a bit harsh.  I do 25-40% water changes every other day on almost all of my tanks and spend well over 6 hours a day doing water changes and feeding.  These fish have indeed, however, been subjected to considerable stress as they have just been imported from the wild.

Ralph

 Charles n Sue Harrison <csharrison at inkmaker_net> wrote:To me these are pictures of a fish from an environment of a neglected 
tank. The very low pH and some injury are likely to have allowed the 
"fungus" to grow.

Fungus growth on uneaten food in the tank, frozen brine shrimp and 
flake food, is a very good indicator of fallen pH.

As Wright suggested, several partial water changes should bring up 
the pH and eliminate the the problem long term. I would add a 
tablespoon of salt to 10 gallons 2 or 3 times(dissolved in water 
first) to start healing.

Several have suggested different Meds but I would rather try salt 
first and see if this would melt the fuzz away and start the fish on 
to heal. These guys can stand a lot of salt and really help their 
skin to heal. But, with 30 to 40% of the body affected, they may not 
be saveable.

Charles Harrison
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