Treating Sick fish-any suggestions?

[rena_bean]

New to fishkeeping but doing a lot of research. I have a 20g Mbuna tank that has been going since the first of August. I currently have 1 red serpae tetra (cycle survivor), two syndonitis (sp?) catfish, and one red zebra Mbuna. Had three other Mbuna, but they bit the dust. The Zebra has pretty severe bacteria or fungus (cottony white puffs) on its mouth and head. The other Mbuna's had it too, so I took them out. Then this one got it too. I treated the water yesterday with Jungle Fungus Clear (says it works for bacteria too). Everyone else seems clear and acting ok. The Zebra also has white stringy poop, which I read today may be a sign of parasites. Should I get a parasite treatement too? I've also read about using aquarium salt. Is this something I need to use?

20 G tank
pH 8.4
kH 300
gH 300
Ammonia 0
Nitrites .5
Nitrates 30
Temp 78 deg.

(I know the nitrites are a little high, but I was afraid changing the water would reduce the effectiveness of the meds. I also probably made a mistake with a filter change, but I'll ask that question later)

Thanks in advance!

 

[RISK2123]

whatever problems i have with my cichlid tank i add the recommended dosage of aquarium salt and some melafix and or pimafix. those tank buddies can have an effect on the water chemistry so i stay away from meds. (melafix and pimafix arent really meds) anyways, since you already put the tabs in we'll just go from there. how often are you doing water changes? i would do around an 80% water change (yes huge) as soon as u can, then just add some salt and in this case pimafix. then in 3 days do a 50% water change and add salt and pimafix agian. after three more days you should really notice improvement. thats what ive found works best with almost any "sickness". then just keep up with weekly water changes and you shouldnt really have to worry about them getting stressed out or sick any more. GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

[RISK2123]

oh and your tank sounds a little overstocked, especially with synodontis species. overstocking will definately cause disease and stress so i highly suggest getting another tank or just returning some fish. agian good luck!!

 

[rena_bean]

Thanks for the fast response--will do.

10-4 on the overstock issue. I am overfiltering right now to compensate, but plans for a 55gal soon!

Can't wait!!!

 

[RISK2123]

yeah they will really like that 55 whenever u get it. just a side note. i have or i should say had one Synodontis Eupterus (aka:featherfin or lace catfish) in with my cichlids. he is about 4.5" and he ended up eating one of my 3.5" Labidochromis caeruleus (aka: yellow lab) AND one of my 3" Demasoni all in two days. his stomach was HUGGGE!! im still amazed how he fit either one in his mouth. anyways just be careful because even though i kept them well fed that liittle, for lack of better words, bugger still swallowed them whole >=(

needless to say hes in a tank all by himself now, i was tempted to throw him in with my flowerhorn but once i calmed down he got his own tank. i may trade him in this weekend, im still deciding

 

[rena_bean]

My cats have only been in about a week and the biggest is probably 3". I was trying to be cautious about overfeeding, but I dropped in one of those algae tablets the other day and I could swear the big one had a pot belly after an hour! So far they seem pretty content and stay fairly active, although their favorite spot is by the heater.