What is killing my Acarichthys Heckelii?

[Oddball]

I didn't look back in the thread but, I may have missed recommending a 30-50% water change every third day. With antibiotics, WCs don't break the dosage since a full dose is required daily. A WC will pull quite a large portion of the pathogen population out of the system, making the meds more effective in combatting the decreased remaining population.

As to the decreased dissolved O2 levels, that's easily remedied with the addition of airstones, powerheads, and/or redirection of the existing outflow to provide more surface agitation.

 

[JK47]

I didn't look back in the thread but, I may have missed recommending a 30-50% water change every third day. With antibiotics, WCs don't break the dosage since a full dose is required daily. A WC will pull quite a large portion of the pathogen population out of the system, making the meds more effective in combatting the decreased remaining population.

As to the decreased dissolved O2 levels, that's easily remedied with the addition of airstones, powerheads, and/or redirection of the existing outflow to provide more surface agitation.

Dang! I didn't know that about the WC's so I did none, I thought I had to let it accumulate. Well I added a big bag of carbon and did 50% WC tonight, will repeat WC tomorrow before I start the amoxicillin treatment. Trying to get the tetracycline out before starting another med. I'm going to be honest and say I am NOT looking forward to killing off my BB and cycling my tank with pride and joy fish. This sucks...

I can't wait until I've beat this thing though so it's worth it. *sigh* Thanks again Oddball.

 

[Oddball]

Good Luck. I'm of the same mindset that you are. I'd rather spend the money to kill the disease that has the audacity to infiltrate my tanks than to simply let it ride and replace the specimens later. Keep up the good fight. The silver lining will be the specimens you save AND the knowledge you gain.

 

[JK47]

Update, I just finished day five of treating with amoxicillin out of a planned seven day regiment. I now have a completely uncycled tank, can't feed and still a sick fish. I have never been so frustrated in all my hobby. I thought things looked immediatly better on day two but I was wrong. Odds are good she will be dead in the morning, once this stuff breaks through the skin, there is little chance. So far no fish has survived that stage for me. The caudal fin split open/just kind of melted today. I will say however, that the smaller fish still appear visibly healthy and the flashing has dramatically reduced.


Maybe you guys will see improvement in these pics I just don't see. I look at her every day so honestly I just don't know anymore....

 

[JK47]

Todays loss. The last of the Acarichthys Heckelii group, my 5" (TL) male. I no longer keep this species now. Just bleached that tank a minute ago since nothing survived... Pretty sure that brings the death toll so far the below unless I am forgeting anyone:
x4 Acarichthys Heckelii
x2 Severums
x1 Pleco

You guys should have seen this guy in his prime. BEAUTIFUL specimen. (pics in my albums if you want to see)

 

[fallin49er]

Justin: How is Ellen doing?

 

[JK47]

Justin: How is Ellen doing?

She is a tank Damien... Her, the large male rotkeil and my geo. abalios group look fantastic.

 

[fallin49er]

I am glad to hear that. She is a survivor...that is for sure.

 

[JK47]

Todays loss. Hands down the most upsetting loss I've ever experienced in this hobby, she was my favorite... I tried to track down a new medication today but could not find it locally in time.

Female Satanoperca Mapiritensis, 6.5" (caudal missing). Such a rare and beautiful species, what a waste...