Ich, camallanus worms, and now fin rot.

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Fishnewbee88

Fishnewbee88

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 23, 2018
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Im new, and I’m in over my head. I’ve got 2 blue crays, 3 Bolivian rams, 2 Bosmani rainbows and 2 African butterfly fish. The 3 rams were last added and because I’m an idiot I didn’t QT them before adding them to my tank. After about 2 months I noticed 1 ram had what I thought was ich. He was the only one showing symptoms, although I realize that once one is infected so is the whole tank. My tank is also fairly heavily planted. Because I have crays I couldn’t use traditional ich treatments. With regular gravel vacs and kordon ich treatment it seemed to clear up. Please let me clarify that I’ve been keeping a very clean tank the entire time. A few weeks after, I noticed one ram has (after a ton of research) camallanus worms. I’m also of the understanding that my entire tank has it. So I’ve been treating with fenbendazole ( I’m a vet tech so I have access to it ) I’ve been feeding it and also added it to the tank to kill whatever may be living there. All but one seem okay, he’s still got worms protruding from his vent and he’s losing weight. So he’s in a hospital tank. NOW the other two rams appear to have fin rot- edges of fins turning whitish. They’re still eating and active. Everyone else in my tank is happy, active, eating normally and are not yet showing symptoms. What the hell am I doing wrong? Am I overdoing it, or not doing enough? Wtf.. I’m ready to be scolded, cause I’ve made a lot of mistakes.. I can handle it, give me what you’ve got. But if you could add in some tips I would really appreciate it!
 
Test strips or liquid tests?
 
Would suggest to post some pics of the worms. Can try to get a rough idea of what’s going on?
 
No scolding ... you're doing pretty well for someone new. Fenbendazole should work for camallanus worms. If you have access to Levamisole HCI I'd use it instead. It dissolves in water very well. Fenbendazole doesn't. One in-tank treatment of Levamisole is all that's required.

You'll always have troubles like these bringing in new plants. The only safe plants to buy are the ones sold in the sealed plastic tubes or bags at the large stores. The next best option are plants from a lfs kept completely separate from fish. No fish .. no fish disease.
 
Thanks guys, one mistake I realize
I’ve made is by using test strips to test my water parameters. I will buy a proper kit. Unfortunately the ram showing symptoms
Of worms has died, and this morning before work I tossed him in the garbage before considering snapping a photo- but they were 1-2 short spikes protruding from the anus, and retracting when he moved. The fish was starting to look emaciated as well, was segregating himself off from the others and becoming very aggressive and unhappy. I should have euthanized him instead of letting him suffer, but I’m still learning. As for my plants, they all came directly from the store and right into my tank, as with all it’s inhabitants. And also levamisole I believe is not available
In Canada, I’m sure I can purchase on eBay, it’s just shipping time that pushed me towards fenbendazole instead. So, as for the outwardly “healthy” others, should I treat for worms again? There’s so many varying opinions and I’m pretty confused.
Thanks again for your help
 
I believe there’s a post here about asking before doing.. well, im the dumbass that did, and then asked.
 
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