Weird Fungus. What do you think?

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!

goldfish247

AC Members
Feb 6, 2009
203
0
16
Australia
I have a 45G tank which has some fancy/ornamental goldfish as well as about 10 danios in it. About a week ago, the danios were up the top doing what looked like gasping for air. Unfortunately, one died, but the rest were back to normal within a day or so. Overnight my goldies have what appears to be some type of fungus on them. The temperature is about 20 degrees celcius. I know that there was enough oxygen in the water, because I run 3 airstones attatched to an undergravel filter along with a fluval canister filter. Attatched are photos of my black moore (Bethany) and my orange ranchu (Rachel) along with a pic of the tank. The other goldfish have it too, it was just easier to see on these two. It appears to be some type of fungus, but I'm not sure what type or how I should treat it. The water appears green, but it isn't. The background just makes it look that way. Thanks for your time and help:)!

PB110657.JPG PB110661.JPG PB110668.JPG tank.JPG
 
Last edited:

Lupin

Registered Member
Sep 21, 2006
21,430
13
0
Lupin Information Super Highway/Goldfish Informati
thegab.org
Real Name
Paul
That doesn't look like fungus to me. It seems to be bacterial infection. Do you have access to microscopes? Maracyn and Maracyn 2 combined can be used. If your pH is no higher than 7.6, tetracycline is an option or maybe go with Kanamycin.
 

goldfish247

AC Members
Feb 6, 2009
203
0
16
Australia
Thanks Lupin. Unfortunately I don't have access to a microscope. pH is low at the moment (6>). I've been having problems with keeping the pH up in this tank. I think that its the water in the area, because it's low itself. None of the fish shops in my area sell crushed coral, but I have some spare coral sand from one of my other tanks. Would this be ok to use? I know it doesn't float but if I put it in stocking on the bottom would it hurt?

Also where would I be able to find those medications? Never heard of them in my area. There's not really and abundant supply of fish specialists in my area!

I'm trying to work out where the problem came from. No other fish/snails/plants have been added. Could this have been brought on by a change of diet? That's the only thing I can think of.
 
This is looking more like a case of low pH to me...
My pH is stable at around 8.0 tested with the API master test kit...your pH of 6 seems a bit low.
Can you test your KH?
Sounds like it might be low allowing your pH to become unstable and drop.
Baking soda can be used instead of crushed coral for buffering...also egg shells, sea shells or antacids (plain old tums). Crushed coral being prefered. This will help raise your KH, which will keep your pH more stable.
What is your pH reading straight out of the tap?

Read this thread...it's about the deadly effects of a low pH
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189656

Hopefully one of the gurus here can confirm my suspicions.
 

goldfish247

AC Members
Feb 6, 2009
203
0
16
Australia
Thanks squabeggs. The pH from the tap varies. It's about 6.4 using the API master kit. I do have a KH test kit and it only takes one or two drops. I know it is really low hence why I asked about coral sand. How would I put the baking soda in the tank (dissolve, stocking?)? And approx how much? Would a calcium block help?

I have some pH up if it would help. I know to gradually increase the pH over a period of days rather than all at once which can prove lethal to the fish. I appreciate the link you gave me, it does sound like a pH swing, especially with such a low KH. Thanks.

I put some broad spectrum tablets in the tank last night. When I checked this morning, the fish looked a lot better. It treated all exterior bacterial infections.
 
I'm not sure on how much to put in...a search on here should guide you. Try MonsterFishKeepers too. I've never had to adjust my pH or KH, as my water is basicly liquid rock. :D

I'm assuming with baking soda one would just disolve it...other stuff can be put in a stocking or in a filter compartment.
The broad spectrum tabs will help fight off any secondary infections that may try and take advantage of their current unstable environment. Good luck! Keep us posted.
 

goldfish247

AC Members
Feb 6, 2009
203
0
16
Australia
Unfortunately Rachel my Ranchu died:(. Whatever they had, water changes and broad spectrum tablets seams to have done the trick as none of them have the stuff on them anymore. I did 2 doses of the broad spectrum. I am just really intrigued on what it was. I have never seen anything like this before. Well, now all I have to worry about is the parameters! I did another test on the water from the tap - it was 7.2! I really don't understand why the pH in the tank is so much lower! Wierd...anyway hopefully you guys can help me out with figuring out why this is soo. Thanks for your help!:)
 

kelly82

AC Members
Jun 1, 2007
1,108
0
0
Lincolnshire, UK
just a quick note, how many goldfish do you have in your 45? could stress from overstocking possibly be a factor. im no expert on it though. maybe the bioload being so high in the tank pushed the parameters out of whack and caused the illness :huh: sorry to hear you lost one. your moor has the biggest eyes i think ive ever seen lol shes more eyes than fish :laugh:
 

Lupin

Registered Member
Sep 21, 2006
21,430
13
0
Lupin Information Super Highway/Goldfish Informati
thegab.org
Real Name
Paul
I am sorry to hear your ranchu did not make it. It must have taken much more toll on her than your other fish that she did not make it.:( On the other hand, I wonder about your hardness levels. It's not always easy to lower the pH so hardness levels may likely be low that you have trouble keeping your pH steady. A slight difference in pH will not harm your fish though and 7.2 isn't really something I'd worry about. Did you maximize oxygen levels as well?
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store