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TomFromStLouis
08-25-2003, 4:59 PM
I have a 75g community tank that is heavily planted. This is my only tank, so the quarantine rule gets violated. Shortly after adding a betta, I noticed small cottony growths on the tips of several angel's fins. I thought i saw a white spot or two and have been treating for ich for almost two weeks now. Rid Ich is Malachite Green and Formalin so would likely be good for fungus too.

I raised the temperature which had finally gotten down to 25* from its normal ~27*. At first I raised it to 29*, but noticed gasping for air one morning and now have it at 27*. My daily routine has been to change 25% water and dose the med per bottle (about one teaspoon per 10g). I have missed a day once or twice but otherwise kept at it. I added salt (1 tblspn per 10g) once but did not keep it up since the gasping episode came soon after.

The betta is fine and never showed any stress other than getting used to his new surroundings. One, and sometimes two, angels spend most of their time behind a rock and are not eating - clearly unhappy. Dorsal fin is slightly clamped. They are not the ones with the signs of fin fungus. One (of 5) kuhli loach has shown serious signs of stress - I presume from the medications.

The reason I am finally asking about all this is because I am headed into week three here and am worried that the stressed angel cannot put up much longer. Most of the fungus is gone but one or two samples remain. Those fish act fine. I will continue treatment and not try to have the temperature go back down (which I figure triggered the fungus at least). Any other thoughts?

If this all sounds a bit scattered, it is because I have never really been confident of what I am up against. Was it fungus, ich or something else? The most stressed fish do not show the visible symptoms I am treating for. Are they just reacting to my treatments? One other thing: I remember from my very early youth treating for ich and the water stayed green for days. I do not have carbon in my canister but the color of the med disappears rather quickly. Is this a problem?
:confused:

ChilDawg
08-25-2003, 5:03 PM
Angels are likely to be attacked by Bettas because of the long, flowing fins...that fungus might be growing on injury sites from said attacks...

There are some fish that might not be liking the malachite green...

The Betta will be hurt by Angels at some point. One or the others will have to go.

TomFromStLouis
08-25-2003, 5:29 PM
The tank has plenty of hiding places - fully planted - and the betta has kept his distance so far. The only fish that bear the brunt of the spawning chases are other angels. The fungus showed up well before the beta even acted like he belonged to the community.

I respect your opinions Childawg, but I have always heard/found bettas to be excellent community tank members and angels moderately so. I think my problem lies somewhere else.

I think you might be right about the malachite green and the loach though...

ChilDawg
08-25-2003, 5:46 PM
Thank you, Tom, for the compliment.

I should state that this is from what I have read in a selection of Betta books, so this is not my personal experience.

My first Betta did quite fine in the community tank, but my second (his successor) isn't doing so hot as a community member, so he's now on his own in a 2-1/2...I wonder if it's hit or miss...but if yours isn't seeming aggressive, you might be alright (just watch him)!

I sincerely hope that you find that the Betta isn't the source of the problem...

terror
08-26-2003, 3:44 AM
better check your water parameters..
the gasping maybe due to ammonia...
there is a chance that your beneficial bacteria were killed by the formalin. so better get a test kit and check.
think salt and elevated temp would be a good cure. but don't know about your plants though. also if you elevate the temp. better add more aeration to the tank:)

gudluck.