HELP!! SICK FISH!!! RAMNDOMLY WATERCOW!

-DC-

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 3, 2009
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Canada
I agree not ich.

Hard to say for sure from those pic's but looks like slime coat to me, Has he been flashing against rocks?decor ?

My first guess would be water parameter issue, perhaps an ammonia spike of VERY high nitrates. This causes irritation and in turn flashing/scratching and what you see is the resulting slime coat buildup. Cloudy eye on him also makes me think water quality.

Test everything (ammonia, nitrate, PH being the big ones) before assuming anything, and i strongly recommend finding out the exact issue BEFORE any treatment is started.
 

Aquanero

Global Moderator
Staff member
Global Moderator
MFK Member
Feb 16, 2009
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I hope he didn't go get any oil based medications. This fish has compromised gills, treating with an oil based medication could be a death sentence for this fish. I'll check back later to see if water parameters were posted. This didn't pop up over night.
 

bryan.u159

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 12, 2013
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United States
I hope he didn't go get any oil based medications. This fish has compromised gills, treating with an oil based medication could be a death sentence for this fish. I'll check back later to see if water parameters were posted. This didn't pop up over night.
yes it did pop up just randomly i swear yesterday he was fine and today he was infected idk how this happened so fast my other fish are fine ill test the water when i get home around 9 or 10 rite now its 7
 

bryan.u159

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 12, 2013
152
0
0
United States
I agree not ich.

Hard to say for sure from those pic's but looks like slime coat to me, Has he been flashing against rocks?decor ?

My first guess would be water parameter issue, perhaps an ammonia spike of VERY high nitrates. This causes irritation and in turn flashing/scratching and what you see is the resulting slime coat buildup. Cloudy eye on him also makes me think water quality.

Test everything (ammonia, nitrate, PH being the big ones) before assuming anything, and i strongly recommend finding out the exact issue BEFORE any treatment is started.

i think it can be the water if i do a watcher change what % should i do? 100%? 80%? i have not done a water change in 2 or 3 weeks.........family issues and i thought my friend would do it for me he just told me he couldnt have so im sure its water parameters i feel horrible im going to do a water change tonight
 

Aquanero

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Feb 16, 2009
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OK Test the water and give us the numbers. Test the water before you do anything.
 

bryan.u159

Feeder Fish
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Nov 12, 2013
152
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hey guys i did a 100% waterchange and my cow has close to none white fuzz on him i guess his slime coat had a flare ill keep up with water changes thanks
 

HungDang

Piranha
MFK Member
Nov 29, 2010
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Fort Worth
I hope he didn't go get any oil based medications. This fish has compromised gills, treating with an oil based medication could be a death sentence for this fish. I'll check back later to see if water parameters were posted. This didn't pop up over night.
is tetracycline oil base medicine? if not then just use it since it is one of the best way for any kind of external diseases.
 
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