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johnym
06-30-2007, 9:22 PM
hi all
need help had 1 female chipokee ill with swolen stomach on one side very lethargic and always hiding but now 2 weeks later a male livingstoni has gone the same way and begining to wonder whats going on.
heres the senario mixed mbuna about 50 of 2-3 inch in 400 litre tank 2 rena xp3
levels all fine ie. amm - 0, nitrite - 0, nitrate - 10-20, ph - 8
estabished 6 months at least now
This only started within last 6 weeks no one else looks ill but I HAVE WHITE FECES and am concerned as thinking bloat but all eating well, then again so were the other two untill stomach swelled up.
new to this but possibly parasite or bloat.
question to the best of you is how to treat as live in nottingham uk and cannot get metronidazole or jungle and vets so far are useless unless it has four legs.(not their fault good with my dog)
tank has aggreesive members but is fine in occupents and have spent ages watching it in case its bullying but do not think it is....
have rock background and rock at bottom for hiding cichlids are however mateing now.
NEED ADVISE whats best medicine to use as from what i have read they seem vague waterlife and interprit do one for internal bacteria but anyone had any experiences as got no ingredients on bottles...:confused:

Coler
07-01-2007, 6:06 AM
sorry you're having difficulty...I've not had to treat bloat myself but :

here's an article with pics etc for diagnosis, causes & treatment

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/malawi_bloat.php

It reccomends clout and says it is effective in stopping the spread of bloat in the tank; online purchase here :

http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buyer/OutPDir.jsp?nxtg=dd680a24051f-699EBD0A5B87A199&search=nla_Aquarium_Products_Pets&mfr=Aquarium+Products&node=2702000&doSearch=n

I wonder is it possible for you to isolate the affected fish and threat with epsom salsts as per the article ?

Coler
07-01-2007, 6:59 AM
I'd also ask what mix of species & male female you have in there, and whether you have sufficient rock/caves set up...also what you've been feeding.

I presume because of your water parameters that you're doing at least a 25% water change with a good water conditioner weekly, and a gravel vac.

sirasoni
07-01-2007, 7:14 AM
It does sound like it could be bloat...is there no way you can order metro?