Ben C. Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 Hello! Unfortunately I've spotted a small patch of columnaris on one of my leopard danios in QT - I've already dosed Ich-X (was already treating for it) and put one treatment of maracyn in today, although I'm still concerned because..well I've never hard anything survive columnaris unfortunately. Would it be helpful to supplement with a low amount of aquarium salt, or do you think the meds are enough/salt would add just more stress? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 From what I understand, Columnaris is gram-negative, while Maracyn (Erythromycin) treats gram positive. You would need Maracyn 2, which treats gram negative. A recommended option for Columnaris would be a combo of Furan 2 and Kanaplex. If you go the gram-negative med route, just be aware that it may harm your beneficial bacteria and cause a cycle bump. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben C. Posted June 13, 2021 Author Share Posted June 13, 2021 @quikv6 well poop, the package itself says it treats columnaris. Thanks for the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted June 14, 2021 Share Posted June 14, 2021 (edited) Yes...I find that strange too. I had to treat 2 separate platys for Columnaris, and did some pretty extensive reading on it. There was a pretty thorough article on the fishlab website that was helpful. In the first case, a platy with white lips where the upper lip was regressing, I tried the recommended Furan 2 + Kanaplex treatment. I did the full course twice....plus salt. No improvement. I did buy Maracyn 2, which is considered an alternate option for treating Columnaris, but to be honest, I never tried it. I did a bit more reading, which led me to Sulfa based meds. I originally searched for Seachem Sulfaplex, but couldn't find it. I was able to find API Triple Sulfa. I did one course, and noticed significant improvement. Did one more round, and the white, bleached lips on the fish regained color. The second fish had the white "saddleback" symptoms, which is a more common symptom. I went right for the Triple Sulfa, and the color of the fish came back in one course of treatment. ....Just my experience, but hope it helps! Edited June 14, 2021 by quikv6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben C. Posted June 14, 2021 Author Share Posted June 14, 2021 @quikv6 thanks for the thorough advice! I will definitely pick up the sulfa meds, and if I can't find those, maracyn 2. The columnaris is not progressing, and everyone is still eating like pigs, so I will wrap up this treatment and begin the next one as long as it holds / doesn't get worse. Really hope he pulls through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted June 14, 2021 Share Posted June 14, 2021 Keep us posted. If you're switching meds between courses, I think it may be helpful to give a few days of a break in between......sort of like a reset button. Good luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben C. Posted June 14, 2021 Author Share Posted June 14, 2021 @quikv6 unfortunately things are deteriorating quick. Worst shipment of fish I've ever gotten...I keep all fish I receive in a seasoned QT tank that I've had set up for over a year (keeping the cycle going between usage by feeding the resident snail colony), with floating plants for cover and nutrient control, feeding live food, the whole nine yards..and they've just dropped like flies. The rasboras that came with them were all gone within 4 days. All parameters in check despite the meds. One danio has lost motor control this morning and the one with columnaris has it spreading. I'll look into combining antibiotics, but I might just have to chock it up as a loss. This why you QT I suppose... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted June 14, 2021 Share Posted June 14, 2021 Gosh...I am sorry to hear that. I wish you the best. If you tried your best, at least you can rest easy knowing you gave them your best shot. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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