they seem to be getting more aquainted with their surroundings..and more comfortable.. I've added more wood to the tank and looking for more to add
I disagree. I think the one that arrived in poor shape already had columnaris. I noticed two others have picked up a tiny bit of white edges on their fins so it's clearly spreading. Last night I began treatment with Maracyn 2 mainly to cure the one weak one, but also to prevent spreading. I will continue this treatment for a few days after (finger crossed) I see the columnaris patches disappear.ex reefer
the Atabapo have had some issues.. i don't think HAW is to blame tho..the bacterial infections(columnaris) spread quickly and degredation many experienced occurred within hours if not days.
I know several other very experienced Altum keepers that have lost their entire shipment.
the fact you still have most of yours is good news.
Even if the fish were bagged individually. Given that Columnaris is bacterial..and that the Altums most likely were held in the same tank ..they were all exposed to it.I disagree. I think the one that arrived in poor shape already had columnaris. I noticed two others have picked up a tiny bit of white edges on their fins so it's clearly spreading. Last night I began treatment with Maracyn 2 mainly to cure the one weak one, but also to prevent spreading. I will continue this treatment for a few days after (finger crossed) I see the columnaris patches disappear.
If HAW had individually bagged each fish, I would have never bothered to add the sick one to the group. Unfortunately they had four fish per bag which is poor practice for shipping fish.
If they continue to eat and the medicine does it's job, they should pull through. They are more comfortable around me each day which lowers their stress level. They no longer hide if I approach the tank and the smaller (younger) ones are starting to relate my presence with food.
That probably true. They were likely in the same tank. I just don't think HAW should have shipped one that clearly isn't healthy. Poor decision on their part. He arrived with major fin rot and all the signs of columnaris, but he's still hanging on two weeks later and eats like a champ. I'm amazed that he's still eating and acting normal.Even if the fish were bagged individually. Given that Columnaris is bacterial..and that the Altums most likely were held in the same tank ..they were all exposed to it.
how well the Altums battle the columnaris might in part be how healthy and resistant the individual fish might be,
adding the antibiotic as a preventative may help ..but generally when we notice the problem the infection is in a fairly advanced state.
it is a bit harder to battle the infection when this happens.
i believe that most shippers , especially larger shippers , usually don't individually bag the fish.. tho I suspect you could request it when you order.. it will increase the cost of shipping tho.
how large were the altums when you recieved them.
I had heard they were pretty large ,,mine were less than dime sized..but they were also Inirida Altums.. and my understanding is these did not seem to have the same issue.
i do hope that your Altums are fine tho.I hear the Atabapo are lovely Adults