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Dwarf Gourami with white spot at back of head. Treated with API General Cure since Sunday but no change observed. HELP!
If you have an activated carbon filter insert, remove it or it will filter out the medication. Confirm adequate water quality and chemistry since both can impact health and healing. Consider adding a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat infection. You can purchase products such as Kanaplex or Maracyn in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water to reduce stress and aid in recovery.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have a three year old fish with grey and white stuff growing on her head. What should I do?
Thanks for reaching out about Ares and including photos. White cottony growths are often associated with fungal infections, which are normally secondary to other problems. Wounds, suboptimal water quality and parasites could be the initial cause. Test and correct water quality. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. There are commercially available fungal treatment available but use with caution, especially without getting a confirmed diagnosis first. If aggression from other fish suspected, might need to be separated. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I dont know if you are a tropical fish specialist. But there is something going on in my tank and need help diagnosing it. My corydora has two raised growths ..one at the base of its fin. And one under the eye. My pleco seems a bit tattered too. A li
Thanks for reaching out about your aquarium and including photos. Did you test your water quality prior to the water change? Continue to test for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Pristine water quality is needed for health. Are any of the fish new, that could have introduced parasites? Itching/flashing can be due to water quality, external parasites, bacterial or viral infections and other causes. The white lesions on the photo could be fungal infections. A skin scrape and examination under the microscope (at a veterinarian's office) is needed for an attempt to determine a cause. Fungal infections are often secondary problems, so check water quality first. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Yesterday we noticed my gouramis has a white fuzz growing all over half of his face. It's only on one side so far and Isn't on any of the other fish. We just got the fish on Saturday. What's wrong with him? How can we cure his issue?
The white fuzz may be Columnaris, an infection causing bacteria, or a fungal infection. It can be difficult to differentiate without microscopic examination. Either can be managed/treated via partial water changes, plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) and medications. Partial water changes, no more than 20-30% daily, will stabilize chemistry and maintain or improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Aquarium salt can be used at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Dissolve in a few cups of tank water and gradually pouyr it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reasses the condition. When performing water changes, treat only the volume of water being replaced, not the entire tank volume. A methylene blue dip can be done daily. You can find it in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. A concentration of 50ppm is recommended. Do not add it to the main tank as it will turn everything b
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
One of my fish has open sore on both sides of the skin. Apparently some of the other fish has bitten him and now some of his skin is bulging on both sides and it’s in a 70 gallon tank with other fish, and I don’t know what to do.. can someone help me
It needs to be separated into a hospital tank by itself so it can be treated and heal. If you leave it in the main tank, the others will continue to pick and nip until it dies. Maintain pristine water quality and chemistry during treatment. You can use a broad spectrum antibiotic for 10-14 days to treat infection. You can find one, such as Maracyn 1 or 2, Kanaplex or Furan, in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
