Scale issue

[Ohnoitstfloyd]

Hey all- got a clown knife fish from petco (I know. I know) I felt bad though. He was in a tank with another knife, and a huge lava rock. They both look like they had rubbed against it, (because they wanted to hide and it was all they were given to do so)
Anyway. Got him (half off at that)
Got him home and I’m a quarantine tank. With a terra-cotta hide hut thing, and some smoother softer rocks. Cycled canister filter, airstone, barebottom, all is well and great. I’m giving him melafix, (we’re on day one) for the scales/slime coat etc. but does anybody recommend something that might help more? I took some ****ty pics, sorry about the light. It’s from the tank next to his. Cute little plants from petco (also 50% off) gonna see if I can fix them too. (I’ll post a pic just cause I’m proud. Look at their cutie pots!)

 

[kno4te]

Clean water should be enough.

 

[EntoStentor]

When you do a water change you should use a water conditioner with slime colloids (tetra aquasafe +). That will help it recover the slime coat. You need to keep the water very clean as a knife infection can be hard to deal with. It will regrow the scales on its own. To dilute the concentration of potentially harmful bacteria (and introduce more colloids), I would do like a 10% water change every day.

 

[Ohnoitstfloyd]

Update! Melafix and water changes have done wonders for this little guy. And he’s quickly becoming a favorite. Who knew they had so much personality?! They’re nocturnal but when he sees me downstairs he comes out of his little hidey house to say hi. He’s eating like a champ. Blood worms and krill, he’s so happy and playful. Going to grow him out before I throw him in with the big kids but I love him so much!

 

[kno4te]

 

[EntoStentor]

Are these things related to actual knifefish? Like are they electric? I hear they are closer to bonytongues.