Danios with red gills and flashing

[Auryn1026]

I'm guessing it's some sort of parasitic infection. I have 4 zebra danios and 6 glowlight tetras in my 20gH tank. I also have 4 apple snails and two rainbow shrimp.

I know I should treat the whole tank, but it's got a lot of plants in it. I remember reading that parasite medication could injure or kill invertebrates.

So I've got 4 danios all who have red gills and are flashing (scratching themselves on rocks and plants) occasionally, otherwise acting normally. The tetras seem to be unaffected so far.

Water perameters:
Amo - 0
NI - 0
Nitrates 10-15
Ph 7.2

Please tell me what to treat with and if I should remove the inverts from the tank first, how long will the tank be medicated and also will the plants be okay?? These are my first fish and I'd hate to lose them.. I love the little guys!

 

[Auryn1026]

Any advice???

 

[kveeti]

How long has the tank and its current inhabitants been set up? Any new additions lately? How long have the fish been flashing? No white spots?

Basically, you need to decide whether or not it’s ich or likely to be ich. If ich, then treat with salt per this article. http://aquafacts.net/wiki/index.php/Ich

If you’re sure it’s not ich, then the next thing I’d try is Hikari’s PraziPro. It’s a gentle but effective medicine. Here is their info sheet on it:
http://www.uskoi.com/prazipro.htm

It says “Non-toxic To Commonly Kept Aquarium Animals Or Plants”. I know personally it’s fine with plants, not sure if the “animals” includes inverts as I don’t have any. More research by you would be required on that.

 

[Auryn1026]

The tank has been set up for two weeks. The gravel, decorations, plants and bio-wheel came from a cycled ten gallon.

I noticed the flashing about a week ago. The gill redness started around the same time. There are no white spots on anyone in the tank.

Thanks so much for replying! I will pick up the prazi-pro tomorrow and remove the inverts just to be extra safe