This is meant to be an informational thread. I just had an outbreak of Flavobacterium columnaris, what used to be known as Flexibacter columnarisaka "mouth rot" or "cotton wool" disease. I searched the forum and was unable to find much information on this bacteria, so I think my experience could be helpful to others, especially those also keeping snails, as you will read:
I've done some research and determined the causes.
First, I haven't been able to get to the store for fresh veggies for my snails lately, so I've been feeding them algae tablets. These are messy and are not always eaten promptly, polluting the water. This bacteria thrives on organic waste and often outbreaks arise as a result of poor water quality. Although I have attempted to vacuum thoroughly a few times each week, algae wafers are inherently messy.
Second, I have been working on raising the pH and kH for the snails that live with my goldfish. Columnaris also likes a high pH.
Finally, my tank is usually around 73 degrees in the winter. However, lately the weather has been warm and the temp has climbed sharply above 76. Columnaris likes water above 76, ideally, and outbreaks often happen after a beriod of sudden warming.
I am sure it is not body fungus, as that often has a stringy appearance. Columnaris, on the other hand, has an almost moldy appearance, white patches rimmed in red. It also appears close to the mouth (hence the nickname) or on the head. On all my fish, it appeared between the eyes on the "forehead." It can be hard to diagnose, as it is sometimes just a patch of dullness or a slightly pale patch on the fish, not a bright white patch.
For an excellent description of columnaris, look here:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/columnaris_disease.php
Fortunately, my fish seem to have the third strain - ASJ3 - that the article describes, not the least harmful but third on the list of four in terms of virulence. Appearing as small white patches on the head, with no other physical symptoms. Fish have little appetite, but are still eating some, and spend much of their time at the surface gasping for air. Classic symptoms of stress and illness.
Here are two helpful sites about diagnosing, preventing, and treating this infection:
http://fishvet.com/columnaris.htm
http://network.bestfriends.org/friends_of_fish/news/5401.html
Here is my treatment method so far:
I immediately performed a 40% water change and thorough gravel vacuum to remove detrius and uneaten food. Since they stopped eating before the disease showed itself fully, the bottom was covered in their uneaten food. They showed a slight improvement following the water change.
I have removed the snails to a 10 gallon tank just for them, as the chemicals used to treat the bacteria are lethal for snails. Since I will be returning the snails to the tank after the goldfish have recovered, I will not be using a copper-based medication. Although they are excellent medications, copper clings to aquariums even once carbon is replaced in the filter and can still kill snails even months after treatment, even if the tank is scrubbed.
Maracyn - erythromyacin - has been helpful for many aquarists:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4838
Although Columnaris is a gram-negative bacteria, and erythromyacin is specifically for gram-positive, the latest version of Maracyn is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been useful for treating Columnaris. Some aquarists recommend Maracyn with Maracyn II, as Maracyn II is formulated for gram-negative bacteria as well.
I have begun a treatment of Maracyn, without Maracyn II. If the fish show no signs of improvement after two days, I may add the Maracyn II. Remember to remove carbon before treatment.
I am using aquarium salt as recommended - heaping tablespoon per 5 gallons of water - to assist in recovery.
If they show signs of not improving or worsening, I may do some salt baths. Here is a great article describing the use and proper method of salt baths in disease recovery:
http://www.pondarama.com/html/salt_fix.html
I have also changed the angle of the filter return to assist in aerating the water. This is important, both for the comfort of the sick fish, and for defeating the disease. Columnaris thrives only in stagnant water. Well-aerated, moving water helps defeat the bacteria.
Finally, as they are still eating a little, I am feeding small pinches of Jungle Labs Medicated granules, an antibacterial pellet food.
Results so far:
I began my treatment yesterday and the fish are already showing marked improvements. Tonight, before I add the second dose of Maracyn, I will perform another 40% water change. Pristine water is your best ally against Columnaris.
Its worth mentioning that once this disease shows itself, it is highly contagious. It's a good idea to disinfect buckets, nets, etc. before using on any other tanks.
I will post photos of the fish's lesions soon, and keep updating their condition here.
Hope this is helpful for some of you.
I've done some research and determined the causes.
First, I haven't been able to get to the store for fresh veggies for my snails lately, so I've been feeding them algae tablets. These are messy and are not always eaten promptly, polluting the water. This bacteria thrives on organic waste and often outbreaks arise as a result of poor water quality. Although I have attempted to vacuum thoroughly a few times each week, algae wafers are inherently messy.
Second, I have been working on raising the pH and kH for the snails that live with my goldfish. Columnaris also likes a high pH.
Finally, my tank is usually around 73 degrees in the winter. However, lately the weather has been warm and the temp has climbed sharply above 76. Columnaris likes water above 76, ideally, and outbreaks often happen after a beriod of sudden warming.
I am sure it is not body fungus, as that often has a stringy appearance. Columnaris, on the other hand, has an almost moldy appearance, white patches rimmed in red. It also appears close to the mouth (hence the nickname) or on the head. On all my fish, it appeared between the eyes on the "forehead." It can be hard to diagnose, as it is sometimes just a patch of dullness or a slightly pale patch on the fish, not a bright white patch.
For an excellent description of columnaris, look here:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/columnaris_disease.php
Fortunately, my fish seem to have the third strain - ASJ3 - that the article describes, not the least harmful but third on the list of four in terms of virulence. Appearing as small white patches on the head, with no other physical symptoms. Fish have little appetite, but are still eating some, and spend much of their time at the surface gasping for air. Classic symptoms of stress and illness.
Here are two helpful sites about diagnosing, preventing, and treating this infection:
http://fishvet.com/columnaris.htm
http://network.bestfriends.org/friends_of_fish/news/5401.html
Here is my treatment method so far:
I immediately performed a 40% water change and thorough gravel vacuum to remove detrius and uneaten food. Since they stopped eating before the disease showed itself fully, the bottom was covered in their uneaten food. They showed a slight improvement following the water change.
I have removed the snails to a 10 gallon tank just for them, as the chemicals used to treat the bacteria are lethal for snails. Since I will be returning the snails to the tank after the goldfish have recovered, I will not be using a copper-based medication. Although they are excellent medications, copper clings to aquariums even once carbon is replaced in the filter and can still kill snails even months after treatment, even if the tank is scrubbed.
Maracyn - erythromyacin - has been helpful for many aquarists:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4838
Although Columnaris is a gram-negative bacteria, and erythromyacin is specifically for gram-positive, the latest version of Maracyn is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been useful for treating Columnaris. Some aquarists recommend Maracyn with Maracyn II, as Maracyn II is formulated for gram-negative bacteria as well.
I have begun a treatment of Maracyn, without Maracyn II. If the fish show no signs of improvement after two days, I may add the Maracyn II. Remember to remove carbon before treatment.
I am using aquarium salt as recommended - heaping tablespoon per 5 gallons of water - to assist in recovery.
If they show signs of not improving or worsening, I may do some salt baths. Here is a great article describing the use and proper method of salt baths in disease recovery:
http://www.pondarama.com/html/salt_fix.html
I have also changed the angle of the filter return to assist in aerating the water. This is important, both for the comfort of the sick fish, and for defeating the disease. Columnaris thrives only in stagnant water. Well-aerated, moving water helps defeat the bacteria.
Finally, as they are still eating a little, I am feeding small pinches of Jungle Labs Medicated granules, an antibacterial pellet food.
Results so far:
I began my treatment yesterday and the fish are already showing marked improvements. Tonight, before I add the second dose of Maracyn, I will perform another 40% water change. Pristine water is your best ally against Columnaris.
Its worth mentioning that once this disease shows itself, it is highly contagious. It's a good idea to disinfect buckets, nets, etc. before using on any other tanks.
I will post photos of the fish's lesions soon, and keep updating their condition here.
Hope this is helpful for some of you.