How to treat Fungus and Bacteria in aquarium fish
What does it look like?
- Blood streaked fins
- Frayed, tattered, ragged, split and 'fluffy' fins
- Head and mouth regions eroded or rotting covered with white cotton wool like growths
- Off white cotton-wool like tufts develop around the mouth fins and on the body
What are the fish doing?
- Clamped fins
- Motionless 'sulking' and appearing lethargic
- Not eating, lack of appetite, becoming thin or emaciated
What should I do?
- Treat with Fungus and Finrot treatment - Increase aeration
- Support fish with Aquilibrium first aid salt to help their immune system
- Test water for irregularities and treat accordingly
- Look for signs of aggression in the fish community which may have caused the damage opening the way for fungal infection
Why does this happen and how do I prevent it?
Disease causing bacteria and fungus are present in every aquarium environment (although specific species may be introduced with new fish) but will rarely cause a problem with good water quality and happy healthy fish. Avoiding stress and keeping good water quality in the tank is key to avoiding and treating fish infections. Test your aquarium water for abnormalities in ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH and correct if necessary. Fungus and Finrot are often secondary infections of wounds on the fins or skin caused by :
- aggression from other fish in the aquarium
- damage caused by handling e.g. netting fish
- parasite infections cause skin irritation of the fish causing them to scratch and flick resulting in abrasions
Using Aquilibrium salt with treatment will help your fish recover as it makes the natural processes fish use to stay alive far easier to manage.
Key areas to consider and regularly monitor to prevent outbreaks and aid recovery:
- complete regular maintenance
- regularly test water for abnormalities
- consider a quarantine before introducing new fish to an established tank
What treatment should I use?
Anti Fungus and Finrot
Use with any of the above
Disease Away
Aqualibrium First Aid Salt Additive
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