8. Freshwater Disease Treatment The most common diseases, the fish they affect and recommended treatments are outlined below. It is important to note that more than one medication is listed for each type of problem. If positive results are not seen within the course of the full treatment of one medication, then an alternate medication should be used. When using any medication, follow all instructions carefully. Diagnosis is made by your best guess and treatment will not always be successful. Responsible attempts should be made, however, to save fish. Heroic attempts should be made to prevent disease. Be observant. An awareness of healthy behavior and appearance will tip you off much sooner when problems are brewing. Observe fish carefully during treatment. What you learn from one treatment may help you during the next outbreak. Observations Possible Conditions Causative Agent Fish Most Often Affected Treatment Gross lesions, open sores,gill hemorrhage, high unexplained loss Overcrowded tank, low oxygen levels, new fish Furunculosis, Pseudomonas, Salmonidica Goldfish Spiny Eels Kanamycin, Gel-Tek, Tetracycline with Neomycin, Furazone Green (goldfish) High fish losses, no open sores, blood in fins or gills Overcrowding, low oxygen, change in temp, high nitrite Aeromonas septicemia, Aeromonas hydrophila Goldfish,Gouramis & Cichlids Kanamycin, Neomycin, Nitrofurazone with Methylene Blue in quarantine Gel-Tek Red fins, sandpaper-like abrasions on sides of fish, fin deterioration New fish, overcrowded conditions Bacterial hemorrhagic septicemia, Pseudomonas septicemia Anabantids, Gouramis, Bettas Nitrofurazone, Simply Betta, Gel-Tek, Furazone JR, Kanamycin, Salt as conditioner, Aquarisol Gray to white lesions on mouth & caudal area, fin deterioration, fish lie on bottom Poor filtration, new fish, lack of minerals Columnaris, Flexibacter Guppies & other live-bearers, dojo catfish Kanamycin, Nitrofurazone, VitaChem Gel-Tek Lumps on body, whirling, spinning, discoloring - black pigment on fish Overcrowding, new fish, overfeeding Myxobacterium Goldfish, Tetras LifeBearer with Furazone Green as follow up, Metronidazole, Gel-Tek Distended or frayed gills Overcrowding, low oxygen Bacterial gill disease unless larger parasites or scratching are seen All fish Kanamycin, Neomycin, Aquarisol, Gel-Tek Bulging eyes, swollen posterior area Overcrowding, poor filtration, overfeeding Bacterial Kidney Disease, Corneybacterium All fish Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Penicillin, water change with AquaLife Complete Unexplained fish losses, no outward signs or symptoms Newly arrived fish Hexamitosis, Octomitus All fish Metronidazole, Nalidixic Acid White filmy growths, fin deterioration Newly arrived fish, poor water quality, drop in temperature Bacterial hemorrhagic septicemia Bettas and other Anabantids, & Goldfish Simply Betta, Betta Spa Grayish threadlike particles hanging from fish, inflamed gills, small red sores Temperature change, warmer weather, new fish Anchorworms, Lernea, Fish Lice Goldfish & Livebearers Clout, LifeBearer, F.L.A.W, Gel-Tek Flat clear disc shaped attachments on fish, inflamed gills, small red sores Temperature change, warmer weather, new fish Fish Lice, Argulus, ectoparasites Goldfish & Livebearers LifeBearer, F.L.A.W, Gel-Tek Black areas on fins and scales of fish Poor filtration, overfeeding Myxobacterium, Myxobacteriosis Goldfish & African Cichlids LifeBearer, Nitrofurazone as follow up medication Scales protruding, giving the effect of bloating Poor water quality Viral dropsy, viral septicemia All fish, especially Goldfish Kanamycin Tiny white spots on fish's body Drop in temperature, high ammonia, high nitrite Ich All fish Quick Cure, Formalin, Ick Guard II or Quinine for scaleless fish Fuzzy white growths like tufts of cotton Drop in temperature, overfeeding, fish has wounds Fungus, Saprolegnia All fish Triple Sulfa, Disease Dip, Rally, Gel-Tek Gray slime or fog on fish, clamped fins, body shimmy Drop in temperature, overcrowding, poor filtration Chilonodella protozoan infestation All fish Quick Cure, Ick Guard II, Formalin or Quinine for scaleless fish, Gel-Tek Fish stop eating, clamped fins, lumps on body, darkening of fish, fin deterioration Overcrowding, low oxygen, pH shock, new fish Ich Angel fish, Oscars, Discus and some wild caught fish Metronidazole, Gel-Tek Bulging eyes, scars or holes in head area Poor water quality and poor nutrition Hexamita Discus, Angels, Cichlids, Some species of catfish Metronidazole, VitaChem FW vitamin supplement, Discus Essential for Discus, Gel-Tek Abdominal swelling Poor water quality Internal bacterial infection Goldfish, African Cichlids Gel-Tek Body emaciation, fish eat but loss of weight Newly arrived fish, live food being fed, live snails present in tank Internal worms, round worms, tapeworms All fish Metronidazole Scratching gills, gills distended or red, rapid breathing Newly arrived fish, live food being fed, live snails present in tank Gill Flukes, Dactylagyrus, Gyrodactylus All fish F.L.A.W, , Quick-Cure, , LifeBearer Cuts or wound on fish not caused by parasites Scraping, aggressive fish in tank Wounds, cuts or abrasions All fish Disease Dip, Nitrofurazone, Hydroplex Low grade infection on fins, deteriorating fins Overcrowding, newly arrived fish Mild bacterial or fungal infection Goldfish Jungle Aquarium Salt, Furazone Green   •• We cannot be responsible for fish loss due to treatments outlined on this site. We encourage you to buy healthy livestock from reputable dealers, observe fish carefully at regular intervals and test your water frequently for problems. Prevention is always your first line of defense against disease. •• Log In/Edit | Customer Service | Aquarium Store | Home | Pond Store How to Order | Shopping Cart | About Us | Contact Us © 2003 Aquarium Connection all rights reserved