HELP!!! bristlenose emergency!!

[squid]

Hellp!
Just added 2 albino BNs into my tank,...
noticed that 1 of the new bn has red patches on its body.,.. and not moving much...
also the fins seemt o have rotten away?
what can i do??
the seller told me he'll replace it if it dies... but of course i would like to save him rather than replace him...
the seller is my friend...
so it'll be replac ed if it dies... but i would like to save this bn if i can ... any recoomendations. ?
anybody succesfully treated this before??
also is it contagious?

[Barbie]

Hi squid,

At the beginning of this forum is a post marked "please read this first". Could you please read that for me and try to answer as many of the questions in it as possible about your tank and fish?

Without some background and more specific information about your situation its extremely difficult to be of much help. Sorry.

Barbie

[squid]

Hi squid,

At the beginning of this forum is a post marked "please read this first". Could you please read that for me and try to answer as many of the questions in it as possible about your tank and fish?

Without some background and more specific information about your situation its extremely difficult to be of much help. Sorry.

Barbie

hi barbie,
thansk for the fast reply, and sorry for not posting the info

1. Water parameters
a) Temerature range. my temp is about 28 deg C
b) pH. 7.5
c) GH. not sure but last time i was told its 10 dgh..
d) KH
e)Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, levels. i havent measured this, but its a cyclked tank..
with 6 bns , only the new one is sick.
f) Water change frequency make water change every week , about 30 - 40 %
(Most LFS's will check your water and give a list of readings).

2. Tank set up
a) Size. 35 gallon tank.
b) Substrate. bare buttom with anubias and java moss.
c) Filtration. powerhead and external box filter with bio balls and sponge.
d) Furnishings. a big piece of driftwood.
e) Other tank mates. some small angelfish and 6 pcs small bns.
f) How long has it been set-up? about 2 months.
g) When was the last new fish added? yesterday. the new bn thas sick..

noticed that he's fins seem to be rotting... and there are red patches on his body..
i was reading before in this forum and found someone experienced this problem,
but can't seem to find it now:( when its an emergency...

thanks.

[Elspeth]

1. Water parameters
(...)
e)Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, levels. i havent measured this, but its a cyclked tank..
with 6 bns , only the new one is sick.

I'd strongly recommend that you check these levels. Probably they are fine but even when water quality is not the original cause, it can always make a situation worse. And cycled tanks can go out of kilter.

I'm new to catfishes but with my other fish that I've had for a while, the oh-my-gosh drill is to test the water first, and then test it again.

I don't know if my next steps are practical or useful for catfish, so I'll wait for the experts to chime in.

[squid]

1. Water parameters
(...)
e)Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, levels. i havent measured this, but its a cyclked tank..
with 6 bns , only the new one is sick.

I'd strongly recommend that you check these levels. Probably they are fine but even when water quality is not the original cause, it can always make a situation worse. And cycled tanks can go out of kilter.

I'm new to catfishes but with my other fish that I've had for a while, the oh-my-gosh drill is to test the water first, and then test it again.

I don't know if my next steps are practical or useful for catfish, so I'll wait for the experts to chime in.

Thanks.. will try to get those test kits...
btw will it be better to move him to a hospital tank?
will a 2.5 gallon do? he's just about an inch big.
hope he's still alive when i get home:(

[Elspeth]

Squid, I'm really at a loss because I don't know catfish at all well yet. I keep goldfish and koi...

My first guess if I saw this in a carp would be transport damage from ammonia accumulation, which isn't apparent for a few days (and then the fins fall off very suddenly). Possibly with an opportunistic bacterial infection, since the fish is going to be really stressed. Since I'd be suspecting chemical damage first and the rest all subsequent, perfect pristine water and no additional stress would be the highest priorities. I would probably also examine the fish for parasites and treat the wounds locally -- I can NOT suggest you do likewise because I know how to get hands-on with a carp, but I have NO idea how tolerant bristlenose are of handling, and you DON'T want to cause more stress!!

For now, until you get a response from one of the experienced catfish people, how does this sound? Move the fish IF you have reason to believe he'll be less stressed alone, and that the move won't cause more stress than it relieves. If bristlenose generally leave out-of-sorts tankmates alone, don't move him until you get better advice. If I'm wrong and the underlying cause is some kind of disease rather than starting with ammonia damage in transport, your other fish have probably been exposed to it already and a few more hours aren't likely to make a difference.

Anything you can do to take stress off the fish, go for it. Since you're the one with bristlenose experience (between the two of us, anyway) you'll have a better idea than I of what is peaceful and comfortable for this kind of fish.

That, and wait for better advice. I really wish I could be more useful here.

[squid]

Squid, I'm really at a loss because I don't know catfish at all well yet. I keep goldfish and koi...

My first guess if I saw this in a carp would be transport damage from ammonia accumulation, which isn't apparent for a few days (and then the fins fall off very suddenly). Possibly with an opportunistic bacterial infection, since the fish is going to be really stressed. Since I'd be suspecting chemical damage first and the rest all subsequent, perfect pristine water and no additional stress would be the highest priorities. I would probably also examine the fish for parasites and treat the wounds locally -- I can NOT suggest you do likewise because I know how to get hands-on with a carp, but I have NO idea how tolerant bristlenose are of handling, and you DON'T want to cause more stress!!

For now, until you get a response from one of the experienced catfish people, how does this sound? Move the fish IF you have reason to believe he'll be less stressed alone, and that the move won't cause more stress than it relieves. If bristlenose generally leave out-of-sorts tankmates alone, don't move him until you get better advice. If I'm wrong and the underlying cause is some kind of disease rather than starting with ammonia damage in transport, your other fish have probably been exposed to it already and a few more hours aren't likely to make a difference.

Anything you can do to take stress off the fish, go for it. Since you're the one with bristlenose experience (between the two of us, anyway) you'll have a better idea than I of what is peaceful and comfortable for this kind of fish.

That, and wait for better advice. I really wish I could be more useful here.

thanks...
my experience iwth bns is also very little, since i only had them for a few weeks,,..
and got this guy yesterday from my friend.
total transport time from his house to our is about < 2 hours... since i had dinner outside before going home..

anyway hope he makes it...
thanks.

[squid]

lost the bristlenose:(
noticed the other new one alsio reddish:( and rotting fins and taill.
hope my other old bnds haven't been afflicted:( should have quarantined them 1st:(
the other one right no wis in a 2,5 gallon hospital tank..
with just a piee of airstone and a little pot for cover...
treating with oceanfree anti internal bacteria and ulcer away... hope he makes it..

[CommonPl*co]

Sorry you've lost one. Here's my take:

A 2 month tank may have been cycled, but not solidly enough to hand new guys without some effect. Not that it is necessarily bad, but get the water tested to be sure.

Generally speaking, the main tank will be capable of better water quality, so focusing on that will allow the fish the best chance of fighting disease on its own.

However, if medicating becomes necessary, a good hospital setup becomes necessary. And bloody patches and especially fins are often in this dire need, and, IMO, usually bacterial as you've deduced.

Not sure what that medicine is you're using; sounds like it should hit the right problems. I usually go with Maracyn II (Usually better than Maracyn with cichlids and plecos in my experience) or Melafix. I've had good results with Melafix recently, but haven't needed it with plecos yet.

To help keep up water quality in the hospital tank, I'd recommend a large water change (your usual 30-40% qualifies) in the main tank first. That will help things out there nicely. Then use that tank water to do 50% changes daily in the hospital. Many may disagree with me here, but I'm suggesting that it will be better quality water than his unfiltered tank, and will be parameters very similar to what he's accustomed. Those who disagree will most likely suggest completely fresh water changes, as using the old tank water will be reintroducing the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate of the main tank as well as the pathogens you're trying to medicate away. My reasoning is that after a big water change, the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate should be okay, (or at least much better than before,) and the pH, hardness, and other parameters will be much closer, and thus less stressful to the fish. Of course, a seeded sponge filter ready to move into that tank would be even better.

Most important of all - Good luck! Hope this helps.

[squid]

i already moved my new bnto a hospital tank..
fins almost gone:(
but will still try to save himm:)