Gill disease?

[Firebug]

In my 50 gallon, I have been having some deaths a platy died, a guppy died and now a rummy nosed tetra is dying. I noticed that behind the gills there is a pinkish redish coloring (looks rather irritating), is this gill disease? if not, what could it be? I need to find out so I can treat the problem before this disease kills all my fish. BTW, I don't see this abnormal coloring on all the fish in this tank, just some of them. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lotus]

The usual reason for red gills is ammonia poisoning. Have you checked it, just in case?

It could possibly be gill flukes. Have you noticed the fish scratching or flashing at all?

Any other behavioural symptoms like gasping or not eating etc.?

 

[Firebug]

Actually, I have seen some of the fish flashing, and what appears to be scratching! Do you know what meds to use for gill flukes? I'm hoping that what I need, I got here at home, cuz I don't plan on going out in this terrible weather.

 

[Lotus]

The meds would generally be the same ones you use for ich. Check the labels on any ich meds you have to see if they cure flukes. I know Coppersafe and Maricin do, but I'm not sure about other meds.

 

[Firebug]

Ohh! I do have some ich meds handy! Thanks so much, Lotus!

 

[Firebug]

Ok, I just checked my water stats, and everything is fine-except!!! The ammonia is up at 2.5! How could this have spiked up so suddenly? Should I be doing a water change to treat ammonia poisoning? Or is there something I should add to lower this ammonia? any help is very much appreciated.

BTW, thanks, Lotus!

 

[Lotus]

A water change is a good start, and it should be enough if you are having a short cycle problem. Try to keep the ammonia under 1ppm.

There are additives like Amquel that will detoxify the ammonia, and make it easier on your fish.

It sounds like the cycle somehow got interrupted.