Sick Discus???

[tankmates]

One of my six discus has not kept up with the others in growth. The fish has also begun having white stringy feces, which I know is a sign of intestinal parasites.

Should the tank be treated or just the fish having the problem? They have been together in a 55G bare tank for about 4 months.

Any suggestions for treatment would be greatly appreciated. I did treat the same fish with Melafix and Pimafix about 2 months ago because it was not eating and had frayed fins.

Thanks.

 

[Bderick67]

You should treat the whole tank, with one having internal parasites chances are good that others will also.

I used the internal parasite treatment pack from Rocky Mountain Discus, it was expensive, but after losing 3 discus with other treatments, this one worked and you get a good supply. Click on the link and scroll down about half way.

http://rockymountaindiscus.com/Food_and_medications.htm

Also turn up the heater in your tank to 90 degrees.

 

[HunterX]

I would try to find some medicated food to feed them. Many Discus breeders sell it . Nuking the tank with medicines rarely works because it dilutes and filters out too soon. Medicated food should get into their gut where they need it, won't hurt your filter, and will treat the other fish too in case they are infected with parasites. Good Luck!

 

[WyldFya]

What do you feed your discus? Is garlic a part of their regular diet?

 

[The Amazonian]

Fresh Garlic Puree is the Key!!!

 

[tankmates]

They eat bloodworms, blackworms, flakes and brine shrimp.

 

[tankmates]

I do have a bottle of Seachem's Garlic Guard. I have not used it very often.

 

[apistomaster]

Buy some Prazipro and start feeding presoaked in Prazi Tetra Color Bits or whatever they are used to once a day for a month. Then once a day for a week every six months or so.
Be prepared to write the loser off. It just happens.

The organic approach is not what I recommend despite what it's supporters say.
"I don't care if there are chemicals in it, as long as my lettuce is crisp,"
Grace Slick

 

[koliveira]

I would treat with metronidazole and praziquetal. I would treat the whole tank. One dose is usually all it takes.

General cure has these active ingredients or seachem met or paragon, (prazipro is also good but does not contain metrondazole).

Medicated food works well also if you can get them to eat it but dosing the whole tank will work.

Kory

 

[tankmates]

Thanks for the feedback!