Parasite

[ThatCrazyFishLady]

I had recently purchased live plants and fish from my pet store, and I believe that they brought some form of a parasite with them. My older fish in my tank have no outward signs of a parasite, but they are obviously bothered. They keep flicking their fins, then rubbing against the decor in the tank. My JD has even stopped coming out to eat. I'm not sure what I should do for them, I'm going to be giving the tank water changes every other day. But I'm very worried, none of them are looking too good.

 

[FreshyFresh]

New purchases put directly into your established tank without quarantining for a month or so always poses the risk of introducing bad things into your established tank. Obviously, the most common being ich. If you see the fish *flashing* against things, it could be ich. Just gotta wait it out and see and then post back.

No need for meds to treat ich. Crank the water temp to as high as the inhabitants will tolerate, oxygenate and wait it out. Aquarium salt can be added (again.. if what you have can tolerate it). Salt acts as an irritant to fish, making them increase their slime coat.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Prazipro is a good dewormer / parasite control, as well as being very safe (even reef safe). You can lace the food with it or add directly to the aquarium.

Try tempting the JD with something extra tasty - even live worms if necessary. I think JDs are among those that eat earthworms - maybe time to go digging?

 

[FreshyFresh]

I dropped a good sized earth worm in my oscar and severum tank a few days back. It was comical.. The feisty green severum got it first and almost had it downed, when the O snagged and tug-o-war'd most of it out of the sev's yap.

 

[ThatCrazyFishLady]

I'm sorry for not updating lately! My JD's fine now! I think I've flushed out whatever was in there. It turned my glass milky white. My fish didn't end up having the white spots though. But after a thorough cleaning of the ornaments, a lot of gravel vaccuming, glass cleaning and washing two of my four filters everything has settled down. My JD still flashes sometimes, but his color is back and he's getting better. I tempted him with some cucumber. He's really weird and likes to play/eat cucumber. Thank you for all the helpful tips! I will use these if I need to in the future. And as for the quarantine tank... I wish I could have one, but my parents will NOT be paying for that one the electric bill :/