Bichir desperately needs help

[fishhead0103666]

I recently got my turkana senegal bichir, he got a scrape in quarantine that was mostly healed by the time I put him in 75 #1. When a I put him in 75#1 all was well for a day or two until the aggressive fish started attacking him because I forgot to take them into account when deciding where to put him. I moved the aggressive fish out of 75#1 and put them in 75#2 and took a group of fish out of 75#2 and put them into 75#1 to try to keep the bioloads the same. I put in more fish that were the same size of the aggressive fish that I took out which combined with the fact my turkana is a hefty 12” which I forgot to take into account caused the tank to re cycle or do a mini cycle. The turkana started suffering from ammonia burns a week later which is when I noticed it and tested the water and realized what happened.

At this point I loved him to 75#2 and moved the aggressive fish into their own separate tank. I have been doing daily water changes to try to combat the ammonia burn however over the course of 3 nights the plecos in 75#2 attacked the turkana during the night. They had never attacked a bichir before so I didn’t think I had anything to worry about them the plecos and the turkana together. The 4th night I saw them in action and moved all the fish from 75#2 except for the other bichirs and a few african butterfly fish out of the tank.

The pst few days he hasn’t been active however today he has been more active. His tail has gotten worse since I took all the fish out.

I desperately need help as I have no clue what to do besides do water changes and maybe add salt, I’m in over my head and I will appreciate any advice anyone has for me and please don’t sugarcoat your words.


I have tested my water.
My ammonia is 0
My nitrites are 0
My nitrates are 5

I am changing my water 1-2 times a day at around 80% -90% each time

 

[kno4te]

I’d keep the Senegalus by itself if able. Know it’s like hot potato right now but do what u can. Reason being to know it’s eating in case ur not visualizing it. I’d keep the water super clean with the salt. Reduce stress. Can add some Hikari bio bandage on the areas. Keep monitoring. Wouldn’t add any antibiotics.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I was considering moving it back into quarantine but in order to do that it would add more stress onto the turkana, you think it would be best if I do it? I can and absolutely will if you think it’s in his best interest.

A teaspoon per gallon correct?

For the biobandage would I apply it to the red areas, the tail, or both? I’m assuming out of the water.

One last thing, I can move him to the 40 breeder I had him in quarantine or I can move him to a 55 and use it as quarantine, do you think the 55 would be better?

 

[kno4te]

I was considering moving it back into quarantine but in order to do that it would add more stress onto the turkana, you think it would be best if I do it? I can and absolutely will if you think it’s in his best interest.

A teaspoon per gallon correct?

For the biobandage would I apply it to the red areas, the tail, or both? I’m assuming out of the water.

One last thing, I can move him to the 40 breeder I had him in quarantine or I can move him to a 55 and use it as quarantine, do you think the 55 would be better?

Salt is 1 tsp per g. I’d still move it but if it’s just the rope fish then can wait it out. Yes, bio bandage is applied to the outside of the fish.

 

[fishhead0103666]

The other fish are as follows
5 African butterfly fish
2 palmas palmas
4 senegals
1 gold dust
2 ropefish

The gold dust and two of the senegals are about 4 inches. One Senegal is about 5-6”. The last senegal is about a solid 6.5”
The palmas are both around 8” eye balling.
Can’t really tell the length of the ropefish except maybe 9” and skinny of course. The african butterfly fish are all around 3 inches with tail or 2 inches without tail.

 

[tlindsey]

Don't get down on yourself from experience Polypterus are very tough and heal up amazingly fast. I agree with kno4te If possible isolate the Senegal.

 

[squint]

How high did the ammonia get?

It looks more like an infection to me--probably bacterial.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I tested it a few days ago and my memory is horrible so I can’t guarantee this number is correct but I think it got to .5ppm

 

[Askaleymanfish]

I tested it a few days ago and my memory is horrible so I can’t guarantee this number is correct but I think it got to .5ppm

0.5 ppm wouldn’t do that to ur fish. I no because the past week or so my tank went through a cycling phase unfortunately and mine was at a steady .5 for days even with daily 80% wc. That’s not a ammonia burn

 

[Askaleymanfish]

I tested it a few days ago and my memory is horrible so I can’t guarantee this number is correct but I think it got to .5ppm

It would need to be close to 2 I believed b4 that happens in most cases