nkelmquist
10-06-2004, 1:43 AM
Hi I had 4 blue rams 3 of which died in what I believe was an internal parasite infection (clear feces) brought in through the 4th fish. My 4th ram is alive and as happy as ever, however I think she is somehow immune to this parasite and just spreads it to others unknowingly, I only have one tank 15 gallons so quarantining right now isn't an option. I want to know when I can add more fish without hurting them.
OrionGirl
10-06-2004, 9:19 AM
Treat the tank to clear the parasite out. A medicated, anti-parasite food would be a good option. Many people swear by the use of garlic as an anti-parasite treatment, as well. Soaking the food in one of these treatments is unlikely to hurt, anyway, and may aid the other fish in avoiding an infection.
Unlikely that she's immune; she has the parasite, just as a low level infection. Most internal parasite reproduce by releasing eggs/larvae through the waste of the fish. These larva then search out a host, and in a confined situation, not only are most successful, but each fish likely gets many, many larva. The fish who introduced them may be protected by the parasite she hosts, while the other fish were overwhelmed by the larva.
I wouldn't add anything else to the tank until you get this cleared up.