HELP! Corey with fungus and redness on mouth area

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 27 May 2003, 04:04

My corey (agaizzi) appears as the title reads. I have no idea what could have caused it. Something like this happened the last time I bought cories The fungus I assume is secondary, but I don't know what the primary cause is. Substrate in the tank is aquarium gravel and there are a a couple of smooth rocks in there. Tankmates are small rainbows, congos, and small tetras. Any ideas? I am going to try treating with an antifungal medicine and add some salt. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Graeme · Post by **Graeme** » 27 May 2003, 04:14

Do you have sharp substrate?

Graeme.

Post by **Coryman** » 27 May 2003, 12:24

It is almost certainly the substrate that is causing the problem. Either it is too large or to sharp. The sharp ness of gravel or sand can be very abrasive to Cory barbels causing damage which then invites secondary infection. A similar reaction happens with large gravel, the Cory's cannot reach between or in fact move the large stones and wear their barbels in doing so. Again the tender barbels are open to secondary infection, which can be exagerated by the bacteria growing on the the uneaten food that the Cory' cannot reach.

I think the chances of you Cory's recovering are slim, once infection has reached the stage you say it is unlikely they will recover.

What type of substrate do you have and how deep is it?

Ian

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 27 May 2003, 14:18

The tank has Estates(?) natural, medium gravel. It has no sharp edges, it is round, and is about 3-5mm in diameter. The corey in question is about 4 cm long. I never thought about him abrasing the barbels since he can't push the gravel easily. I have had the corey for about 1.5 months and he was fine before. The fungus is much worse today and I think that you are right about his chances being slim. I am hoping for the best and treating with Kanacyn.

If you would reccomend switching to a different substrate what would you reccomend? Would pool filter sand be ok to use, if I changed it to sand?

Post by **Coryman** » 28 May 2003, 15:09

I prefer very fine gravel or sand but it must be smooth grained. Sand used in the building trade is NO GOOD. You can tell by rolling it between your fingers if it feels gritty don't use it. well washed river sand is good. I only use a thin layer, so that the cpry's can get right through it to the base glass.

Ian

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 28 May 2003, 15:30

Thank you for the info. My corey died yesterday.