Bev C Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Hey everyone , I am heart broken❤️🩹 my favorite fish is in trouble i think I am only having trouble with my bristolnose pelco in the tank ,, the water testing is fine ..not having trouble with any other fish My bristolnose Marvin is adult not sure how old he was adult when i got him babies does not do well in my tank but i have had him 2 years he is not acting himself usually he is all over the tank he is not hanging on the sides either but he is sitting in one area at the bottom not moving he stays in one place ,, i have not seen him move or eat over a week ,, he will not touch any vegetables, repashy food or flakes or pellets food i even tried soaking algae wafers and tried hand feeding him or putting food near him he has never let me get to close to him . but when i am close he does not move i thought at first he is blind or have a fin hurt or missing but he has all his fns i moved him to a quarantine tank and usually he is hard to catch but i got him in the net the water testing in the quarantine tank is fine there to and he is acting the same way ,, he has always been a solid black/brown color but he has spots now full time the spots not it is not ick i thought he was dying when i research they say a pelco can get spots before dying but he is still alive after a week any advice is welcome , does older pelco get old and very lazy and stay in one spot or is he dying he does not look sick just not eating or moving 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 Have you got a picture it could help with a diagnosis 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 21, 2022 Author Share Posted July 21, 2022 i am not at home right now but I’ll try to get photo or video Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 What is his behavior during the nighttime? What is he doing? Plecos sometimes do have a discoloration due to stress or just simply their camouflage as well. Here's an example. My clown plecos get almost pale and lose all of their stripes. At first I thought it was a severe disease until I found out about this stuff. I hope that's all it is and the behavior stuff is something else we can work on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 22, 2022 Author Share Posted July 22, 2022 (edited) @nabokovfan87 Thank you very much for suggesting that I thought of that I check on him every night I have checked different times I have set my alarm and checked the tank with the lights on and with the lights off ( I used a flashlight to see in ) and he is still in the same place. he is not moving .. but he wags his fins, tail and his top fin sticks up constantly I think because of the stress .... Normally when he is stressed out his top fin sticks up occasionally @Colu I do not have a photo but I took a video of him this evening, I do better with video then taking photos ... I tried to get him focused but did not do a good job he is in the very back corner he is usually solid color update This evening he is still alive and in the same place not moving , and he's still not eating. & this evening it looks like around his mouth area looks funky funny looking Edited July 23, 2022 by Bev C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 With the symptoms your describing I would do is treat with kanaplex and and follow up with a course of ick x in case he has any secondly fungal infection developing around his mouth the most important thing is to get him to eat your could try soaking his food in seachems garlic guard to help stimulate his appetite @Bev C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 23, 2022 Author Share Posted July 23, 2022 (edited) @Colu thank you, and thank you for being so patient and helpful, I have had fish for 15 years and this is my first serious sick fish . I have never had to medicate a tropical fish before I Have them die suddenly but not sick, Only things I have dealt with was ick & pest snails I Only had to treat once for ick that was my first fish that got me started in the hobby a goldfish I adopted from my Mom still have same bottle of ickX . I need to replace the bottle expire date dead. I also have a small box of aquarium salt unopened I have in just in case emergencies my fish store says it is best to have a bit of salt lying around just in case needed. My local store where I buy the fish does like Cory & ACO does the quarantine and use the same 3 meds with their new fish before selling. And I always quarantine my new fish for 2-3 weeks in my 20 quarantine gallon tank with no meds … Before adding new fish to main tank … I have never had ro re-medicate them .. About The Bristol Nose @Colu I'm ordering a new bottle of ickx from ACO .. And ordering the Kanaplex from Amazon, but Amazon says it will be in till Tuesday, my local fish store is 2 hours away.. and Walmart local does not have it in stock either. Could I use the Aquarium salt till the other meds get here ? How much should I use? I have a 20 gallon QT Tank but only have 10 gallonsof water in it only using a sponge filter … I have some Water Wisteria in a QIT Tank, should I remove it before adding meds .. Have a Question, plus is the Kanaplex the same and treats the same illness as Mardel Maracyn that ACO sells ? or are the 2 different meds ? I was wondering when I did a Google search on Kanaplex the Mardel Maracyn came up When I get the Kanaplex should I just follow the directions on the package. Is there any special directions Should I treat my other fish in my main 55 gallon tank too ? With the ickX or Kanaplex? Should I remove my nerite and mystery snails too ? They are not showing signs ? Edited July 23, 2022 by Bev C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted July 23, 2022 Share Posted July 23, 2022 (edited) Kanaplex is a more broad spectrum antibiotic treatment and treats gram negative and some gram positive bacteria and maracyn treat's mostly gram positive and some gram negative bacteria what you could do is add one table spoon for 3 gallons of aquarium salt as catfish are more sensitive to salt I wouldn't add more than that just desolve the the salt in a cup to of warm water before adding it to the tank and monitor him closely the salt will also aid Gill function and add essential electrolytes I have never kept water wisteria so I don't no how salt tolerant it is so it best. To remove it I wouldn't treat the main tank if non of the other fish are showing any symptoms just follow the instructions on the box for kanaplex @Bev C Edited July 23, 2022 by Colu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 23, 2022 Share Posted July 23, 2022 (edited) On 7/23/2022 at 6:03 AM, Bev C said: Could I use the Aquarium salt till the other meds get here ? How much should I use? Yes, from the "re-write directions" thread this is the measurement I use. 1/2 cup per 10G Quote Looking at dosage for salt on the ACO blog: Level 1: A hair under 1/4 cup per 10G Level 2: A hair under 1/3 cup per 10G Level 3: 1/2 cup per 10G Edited July 23, 2022 by nabokovfan87 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 (edited) Update My Bristol nose is still alive, I had some seachems's garlic guard already That I bought previous when I had 2 finicky tetra eaters I socked zucchini and algae waver. He will not touch it. I even tried feeding by hand I did the salt last night for the first time and followed @Colu & AOC Level 1 directions, but I only used 2 tablespoons per 3 gallons mix with water ,,,. Since Colu said catfish were sensitive to salt, . I keep sand in the QT tank all the time but only have a heater and sponge filter there ... and when I moved him I moved his cave too … I did move the live plants out of the QT tank before doing the salt After adding the salt his mouth area still looks funny, but a little better little rounder Still have not seen him eat But he moved first time in days. But not much ! He moved a little nearer to his cave he normally lies on top or in the cave, but he moved first time ,,, this morning I noticed he is leaning to his left side ,,, his belly looks normal, not bloated. And he acts like his balance is off. I tried to look at his bottom fin He does not act like he is in pain or stress out or anything, and he wiggles his tail ,,, I will continue with the salt till the meds gets here I hope the meds helps if not I am not sure what to do next. I do not want him to suffer, I feel like a bad fish Momma, and it has been one stressful week not knowing what to do for him 😕 Edited July 26, 2022 by Bev C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 (edited) Do you have any epsom salt on hand? Quote Epsom salt is completely different from aquarium salt and also has completely different uses and effects when used on goldfish. While aquarium salt is great at treating external infections and helps with healing wounds, the effects of epsom salt are more physical and for more internal problems. Epsom salt can also be used in baths or in the tank as a whole. Epsom salt uses: Epsom salt treats swim bladder disorder. If your goldfish is having trouble swimming correctly, is swimming upside down, or is stuck on the top or bottom of the tank, it could have swim bladder disorder. This problem could arise from an internal infection, if that’s the case epsom salt will not treat that, you will need antibiotics. However if the problem is more genetic, from overfeeding, or just from occasional bloating and gas, epsom salt will help treat the buoyancy issues from both adding it to the tank and from baths. Epsom salt does have some great benefits, but note that it does not actually help fight or treat any pathogenic disease, but does help with more physical disorders. I would NOT recommend regularly using epsom salt in the tank water as a whole and only really using it in the tank when you see a majority of fish in the tank are suffering from constipation, buoyancy, or bloating problems. HOWEVER, I would say that occasional epsom salt baths are great to help prevent buoyancy and digestive issues in the long term. How to do an epsom salt bath: Doing an epsom salt bath is very simple. You will need to pour one gallon of water from your fish tank into a bucket, make sure you are using tank water! To that one gallon of tank water, add 1 tablespoon of epsom salt and mix it thoroughly until it completely dissolves. After you have it dissolved simply pick up your fish out of your tank and add them to the bath. Leave the fish in the bath for 15-35 minutes. HOWEVER, you must watch them closely and see how they respond to the bath! Every fish is different, some are more tolerant to epsom salt than others. Some goldfish may have to be removed from the bath within a few minutes because it is too harsh for them. Generally the larger the fish, the more tolerant they will be to the salt, however sometimes this is not true. If the fish seems too stressed and appears to swim weirdly, it’s best to remove them from the bath and next time use a lower concentration. If you leave them in the bath for too long and the fish does not respond well to the salt, you could kill your fish! It is vital that you stay close and monitor them during the entire bath. I have noticed that epsom salt baths are generally less harsh and stressful than aquarium salt baths, but it’s still very important to closely monitor them. Do NOT give very young fish salt baths. EDIT: (For clarification) Some articles suggest a bath for 10 minutes, most packaging will say minimum 15 minutes. The point here is to keep an eye on the fish, especially respiration and gill movement and make sure they aren't showing any signs of stress. If they do, remove them immediately from the bath. @Bev C On 7/25/2022 at 5:55 AM, Bev C said: I do not want him to suffer, I feel like a bad fish Momma, and it has been one stressful week not knowing what to do for him 😕 100%. I really wish I had a better idea of how to help. This is a difficult one. If you can, please try to video him tomorrow the sores or whatever it is on his mouth. It might explain the lack of wanting to eat. Maybe he has something in his mouth causing issues? Maybe it's painful for him to eat until this stuff heals? It sounds like he might've gotten scared or thrashed into something. Are you treating at all for bacterial with Maracyn or Kanaplex? Edited July 26, 2022 by nabokovfan87 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 26, 2022 Author Share Posted July 26, 2022 (edited) @nabokovfan87 Yes this is really throwing me for a loop .. No I do not have any Epsom salt , but can get some, I am leaving him in the aquarium salt solution like the ACO Blog says to leave 5 days & do a water change and repeat to next level if needed but since I only added 2 tablespoons to start with I added 1/4 teaspoon more salt last night It was his 2nd night in the soak I am still waiting on the meds I ordered they said Kanaplex was going to be here today, but it did not come yet .. He did move again ... closer to his cave again, he did not go in, but better than not at all . His coloring looks lots better today ... I do not see any sores around his mouth, it is just a little swollen and just shaped different from normal I have tried to see if there was blockage in his mouth area I did not see any unless it is real small .. He is even wagging his tail more today , and he acts like he tolerates me better when I check on him.. He is acting ok I think, except not moving or eating My friend went to town yesterday and I had her to get Bug Bites food that is for small fish it is like powder more than pellet I added that to tank hopefully he will eat it He likes the medium size Bug Bites hopefully he will be able to eat the small size Like you said he might have hurt himself or something, I just wished I could do more for him, he is my favorite even though I love all my fish Edited July 26, 2022 by Bev C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardedbillygoat1975 Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 Sorry to see this @Bev C. Make one change at a time along with the salt and don't put too much food in as it will dirty the water and he needs pristine water. I know you want him to eat but be careful. @nabokovfan87asked about Epsom salts as they can help in some instances clear out the bowels. I had a long fin albino BN get caught in the string I used to tie down moss a few years back. It was awful. So I am pulling for you and Marvin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 On 7/26/2022 at 1:52 PM, Bev C said: His coloring looks lots better today ... I do not see any sores around his mouth, it is just a little swollen and just shaped different from normal I have tried to see if there was blockage in his mouth area I did not see any unless it is real small .. He is even wagging his tail more today , and he acts like he tolerates me better when I check on him.. He is acting ok I think, except not moving or eating Might have been the same thing as what happened with ladybird. Cory took about a week to treat with meds and stuff. I would try to check, low stress of course, but just make sure you don't see anything that is stuck in the fish's mouth and continuing to cause damage. Maybe if you put him in a specimen container or something clear (glass dish) you can see his mouth more clearly and take some video / photos. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 26, 2022 Author Share Posted July 26, 2022 (edited) Thank you @nabokovfan87 and @Beardedbillygoat1975 for being so kind and very helpful I do not have any string in the tank though I use superglue when needed I learn to try one thing a time in fish and plant keeping I am not over feeding him just trying to see what works I'm not keeping food in the tank except the Bug Bites ... he has always liked algae , vegetables and the wafer more than flake or pellets ,,, he is in a 20 gallon QT by himself. Trying to keep him chilled for a pelco I did put his cave in there with some water wisteria he likes to hide in it, I did remove the plant before adding the salt. though. I might finish the salt treatment since he has been in there for 3 days and change the water before starting the meds when they get here That is good to know about Epsom salts helpswith their bowels for now and later on use .. This is my first time having a sick fish, except for a goldfish with ick Edited July 26, 2022 by Bev C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 31, 2022 Author Share Posted July 31, 2022 Update Sunday 7-31-2022 Hi everyone, Marvin is doing a little better, but still he not himself, I did the salt & Kanaplex treatments and in the process of The ickX. The salt and Kanaplex helped a little, but I really think he is more hurt than sick, But I am still doing the meds just in case ,,, and I really think his spots are from past stress His coloring is lots better it is back to the normal color, and he does not have as many spots now he is still not moving much around the tank or, hanging on the wall He is still staying on the bottom, but he has moved, he is going in his cave now moving around in that corner of the tank. And I have seen him eat the very small powered fine pellets of the Bug Bites, that is made for small fish that is way better than him not eating anything ... he is still not eating the wafers or vegetables, but I put a piece of zucchini close to his cave just in case he wants it. Since he has been like this for a 2-3 weeks now, Not sure what to do next if he stays this way I do not want him in pain or anything But I could turn my 20gallon QT tank into his home If he is not moving much & if he does not get better if he gets better I will move him back to the main tank he could have a house to himself I do not want the other fish mistreat him I might move plants back in he likes water wisteria & maybe put a snail in there, so he is not lonely in the 20 gallon he gets along with my mystery snails. I might have to get a Rubbermaid tote for an emergency quarantine tank. Since he is using the current one ,,, (any advice what to do next is very welcomed)I feel like a bad fish Mom I do not want him to suffer, but I do not want to let him go. either .. I am attached to the little Marvin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 31, 2022 Share Posted July 31, 2022 On 7/31/2022 at 1:08 PM, Bev C said: His coloring is lots better it is back to the normal color, and he does not have as many spots now he is still not moving much around the tank or, hanging on the wall He is still staying on the bottom, but he has moved, he is going in his cave now moving around in that corner of the tank. And I have seen him eat the very small powered fine pellets of the Bug Bites, that is made for small fish that is way better than him not eating anything ... he is still not eating the wafers or vegetables, but I put a piece of zucchini close to his cave just in case he wants it. Good to hear some sort of progress in the right direction. Since it's some form of injury to his mouth it's very likely that he won't be able to attach to glass and sucker normally for a little while. It seems like he tried to eat something or latch on something that caused an injury. Do you have wood in the tank, any splinters or sharp points possibly? Rocks that have somewhat sharp edges? Plecos easily get stunned or scared and they bolt into things pretty often. It's probably one of the easiest ways they do get injured. Something comes into the room and creates a shadow or when the lights come on suddenly, etc. If we can rule out metal, glass, etc. the only thing I would be concerned with is if you see anything in the wound itself still (might be able to get it out with tweezers) or if you see that it's clear and healing. If it's in his mouth, much harder to tell, unfortunately. If you can please feel free to try to take a video or photos of the affected area. Time and progress, healing, that's all were waiting for right now it looks like. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted July 31, 2022 Author Share Posted July 31, 2022 (edited) Thanks @nabokovfan87I can be very patient with him, I just hope he heals, where he can enjoy being a fish again I think it is best to keep him away from the other fish I swear I do not see a wound or anything stuck in his mouth and mouth area, his looks better too... And he is not acting sick, just not active. Each day his attitude is better he is waging his tail more when he sees me, or when I try to feed him, and he does not act like he minds being away from the other fish, but he acts like he misses the mystery snails though he likes the gold one allot I do have 1-2 dragon rook, but he likes to hang on or in his cave he likes to lay on top of it( I tell him he is sun bathing when he is on top of the cave) (Yes I talk to my fish) He also likes to hang on the Pathos plant planter and my large ACO sponge filter or in the Water Wisteria I do have 2 wood pieces one small & one larger the small one lays in the sand flat, but it is round & smooth no sharp ends I have it there he does eat on it and the other wood piece is in front of the tank it is a little larger a tree stump that has small limbs.. But I have never seen on it or near the big stump , since it is in the front he stays hidden in the back of the tank unless it food time. But maybe he hurt himself at night, without me knowing of it ... I did move his pelco cave toward the front of the tank, while he has been ill ... So I can keep an eye on him better. He loves his cave. Edited July 31, 2022 by Bev C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted August 1, 2022 Share Posted August 1, 2022 On 7/31/2022 at 4:25 PM, Bev C said: but he likes to hang on or in his cave he likes to lay on top of it( I tell him he is sun bathing when he is on top of the cave) (Yes I talk to my fish) Don't we all!? My plecos did that a lot. Hide in the cave when someone walks up, but on the cave and don't move to rest in the flow and just relax2 On 7/31/2022 at 4:25 PM, Bev C said: But I have never seen on it or near the big stump , since it is in the front he stays hidden in the back of the tank unless it food time. But maybe he hurt himself at night, without me knowing of it ... I did move his pleco cave toward the front of the tank, while he has been ill ... So I can keep an eye on him better. He loves his cave. Yeah, they tend to! It's good that you're able to keep an eye on him so well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted August 2, 2022 Author Share Posted August 2, 2022 (edited) Update August 2, 2022 Marvin is gone to fish heaven ,,, It is Tuesday 3:45 I just got home I woke up this Morning and Marvin looked worse,around his belly so I took Marvin to the fish store to have them look at him to see if they could help … I have been going to them for 15 years, and they help me set up my tanks . My fish store is 1-2 hours away... He was very easy to catch, I took him in a cooler with fish tank water a battery operated air pump and stone ... We made a special trip to town just for Marvin The said he did not have anything stuck in his mouth or have ick or any infections they said it looked like he was hurt in 2 places his mouth and middle & they said how he was holding his body and top fin that he was hurt, to and his middle was starting to bloated, but his color was normal, and they said they did not think he would get better but worse and if he lived he would not have a normal life I ask them what they would do. And they said they have seen this before. And they said they thought euthanize was the best for him . I told them I did not have the heart to do it, and they offered . To do it for me .. I told them to give me a few minutes. I went outside the parking lot and cried in the car and had to make a decision to think of him first I know he is a bristolnose fish, but he was my baby ,,, I decided to put him to sleep I did not want him to suffer and bless their hearts Dylan took real good care of him and tried to make less stressful for Marvin and me they used Clove Oil. I know it was for the best, but I still feel like a bad Mom, but I know I tried my best for him while I had him .. I am even crying typing this message I want to thank everyone specially @nabokovfan87 @Beardedbillygoat1975 @Colu for all the help and concern, I appreciate it Thank you Edited August 2, 2022 by Bev C 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 Sorry to hear that he didn't make it at least you did all to could for him @Bev C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 Cherish and focus on the good moments @Bev C My condolences. I think Marvin would express to you if possible, it was an accident and these things happen. You did everything you could for him and more. I am thankful he isn't in any more pain. I know what you're going through and it's never easy and never should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardedbillygoat1975 Posted August 2, 2022 Share Posted August 2, 2022 @Bev Cthis is really hard and I’m very sorry. I’d have done the same. When you’re ready let one us know and we’ll Get you a new BN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted August 2, 2022 Author Share Posted August 2, 2022 Thank you @nabokovfan87 and @Colu @Beardedbillygoat1975 I am not sure how he got hurt, and I tried everything, but I did not want him to suffer and even though I would house him by himself if need to ... he would not be happy alone I just couldn't be selfish for my sake, and it was not a easy decision .. I love the bristolnose pelco fish, and they will always be one of my favorite fish I have had 2 I & the BN is the only fish I name in my tanks ... except for my first goldfish ,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted August 2, 2022 Author Share Posted August 2, 2022 @Beardedbillygoat1975 thank you for the offer, I might take it later.. It was so kind thank you 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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