Khuli loach sores, how to treat?

[necigrad]

I noticed that one of my Khulis has several (maybe 5) sores on it. I also can only see it's right side, so there may be more. It looks like just open sores, no obvious injuries, so I don't think they happened due to a fight or scraping on something. I treated the 24G with a 20G dose of Melaflex, then I saw on loaches.com that Melaflex might not be good for the loaches. I haven't tested the water in a few days, so no numbers right now, but since it cycled 2 months ago they've been fine.

[necigrad]

Water Paramaters:

Ammonia: 0 (or very close to)
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 8-9
Ph: 7.4
GH: 21
KH: 7

I was going to do a water change on Saturday (usually do it then) but wit the Melaflex I was planning on doing it next Thursday, giving the Melaflex the week per directions.

[ct-death]

Not sure on Loach sensitivity to melaflix, but you can do a PWC if desired, just redose the meds back to concentration. It may get expensive, but clean water is a must with any open soar to prevent a secondary infection!

[SLH913]

I would consider dropping the Ph to 6.6 or so and softening the water considerably. I don't know what the effect of your hard, basic water would be on Khulis, but they really prefer soft, slightly acid water.

[necigrad]

I'd prefer not to change the Ph, other then what my CO2 does. These sores are only affecting the one loach, at least so far. At the moment there is no practical way for me to soften the water, other then with Ph Down type stuff. From what I understand, that stuff is irregular at best since the GH will bounce it back up within a day.

[necigrad]

Well, whatever caused it finished the job. Just woke up, and the affected loach is vertical with no color and more sores. Can't find the other one at the moment, but I'll check later when he normally comes out.

[Kuhlifan]

In the future, try stress coat. One of my Khulis found the filter impeller. It helped heal his scar really quick.

[necigrad]

Bought one to replace the dead one a while back. They're both spazzing out together quite often. Doing well and seem to like their home.

[zachjohnson65]

When my synodontis had sores I treated with Maracyn-two/ stress coat and water changes. I know that synodontis are not as fragile as loaches but i thought it might help

[Shane Reynolds]

I am now dosing my tanks with Paraguard any time I add a fish, and I would recommend that especially for loaches (some of which are notorious for bringing infections to your tank).

[seanyboyrulz]

Maybe you guys could try setting up a quarantine tank. That way when you get new fish you can dose your small tank and not your entire display tank which not only may have adverse affects but can also be a waste of money. Also when your fish get sick you can isolate them...