Well it looks like I have my first health hurtle

[Wind_Danzer]

Looks as if Spike has "velvet" or "gold dust disease".

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/bet...42715-maturing-something-else.html#post404779

I'm going to crank the heat up tonight and put in a tablespoon of ground down table salt as I do not have any aquarium salt. I'll also unplug the light and keep it off through the week. I did read that taking out the carbon filter would be good as the filter will just filter out the salt/meds (not using meds right now).

I'll do another water change tomorrow and one Tuesday morning but he'll be on his own till Friday night when I get home from work. I'll do one then too.

Anyone have any advise? Anything else I could be doing?

The tank is almost cycled, it'll be so sad to lose him now.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

id get some (i think its called) maracyn or maracyn II

 

[Wind_Danzer]

I was reading up on that but right now I want to add in salt. Is it true that it's a tablespoon for 5 gallons??? That's a lot of salt!!!

 

[Mahamotorworks]

Ya that is what I have read. I would add a Teaspoon tonight then again in the morn and sometime in the afternoon. Just so it isnt a big jump in Salt content. Also mix it in a little cup first so he dosent try to eat it and get salt burns.

MAHA

 

[Wind_Danzer]

ok... will do!!

EDIT: Should I remove the filter while doing the salt treatment? If so, do I just put it in water that is the temperature of the tank and treat that water with a de-chlorinator?

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I dont think that the filter will remove salt. If you are then yes keep it in Dechlor water.

MAHA

 

[Wind_Danzer]

Ok, stopped by the local store and got some "Quick Cure" that has Malachite Green as one of two main ingredients. You can find it here: www.aq-products.com

I also got some aquarium salt as Spike probably thought I was killing him last night adding in table salt.

I'm going to do a 50% water change to help remove the salt and then add in the meds and a little aquirum salt.

I was told to keep the lights off.

I'll do the main dose tonight then double up tomorrow as I will not be home till Friday evening.

 

[Wind_Danzer]

Well it's been a few days. I got home about 2 hours ago to an alive and kicking Spike, hungry as he hasn't eaten for a bit.

It seems the heat, salt and little "Quick Cure" has helped. He doesn't appear to be breathing as hard as before I left and the gold coloring seems to have vanished for the most part (though his face is still discolored).

I think I'm going to keep the heat up for a few more days, still add the meds too and keep the lights down. I think I'll go back to normal on Monday unless someone else thinks that is too soon.

I will do a water change tomorrow also and add back in a little salt.

 

[Katie217]

great news to hear spike is doing better, im sure he will pull through bettas are hardy little fish thats for sure