mystic_beth

Found the culprit ..it came in on the Big nose it seems. There is an 8mm long approx "mother" of a worm hidden under the gill on the big nose. The white spot treatment must of weakend it because it made a couple of awkward appearances before the fish worked it back to where it caused the least distress. I guess too it is getting too big to stay hidden in there. Well I bought a AR380 to isolate the nose while I try figure the best way to treat it without killing it. I cant access the worm to remove it..and in any case there may be others. Currently treating other tanks and the bristle noses none too happy. Sometimes you can't win.

This Tassie forum shows a lot of promise but will be shutting down if there is no increase in activity. Perhaps some members here would like a little trans Tasman chat? It would be a shame to see this site die as there is not a very active aquaritst network on our little island. Here is the link. http://www.tassieaquariumsociety.com/forum/index.php

Well No one else has died or gotton sick in my little tank..that the betta came out of...so looks like it wasn't hex.. thank goodness. Good fortune left as far as my big tank goes. :-?

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First picture is about three weeks ago, I first noticed it, took a pic in case..but it went away. These pictures are this afternoon. They really are tiny. I dislodged one with a cotton bud and it drifted away without activity. Left no mark that I could see. I did discover more on the body and near gills. Fish too small and mobile to closley incpect the gills..outward appearance OK. These things on both sides..the rest not so ready to dislodge.

Total edit OK so I had a whitespot breakout and against my gut instinct allowed myself to use rapid whitespot remedy (because the guys in the shop rang the importers of the noses who said I could use it at half strength) I did this because The mystery white things are anchor worms, and the higher temp thing might speed up their lifecycle. One day after treating the tank, I have my small nose dying in a 30 liter hospital tank (fighting for it's life but I havn't much hope..it's little body is all blistered) The bigger nose is hanging in the main tank..he is ok..only just, a considerable amount of finnage is missing..but his body looks ok. The plan was to treat the whitespot followed by treating for the anchor worms. But I find that the product they have convinced me to buy is no good even in half doses for noses. Hours I have spent researching trying my darndest to do the right thing. On the phone, talking to people. No avail. So looks like I need to get another hospital tank set up for the big nose and quarantine him. manually remove (somehow) any anchor worms that show up. And I need to thoroughly treat my tank while it is noseless. I feel so bad for the poor things. And frustrated.

Hi Sharne I hope it's not infectious. The Links in other threads on here to discus sites believe it is via the droppings. Will try the garlic probably as a hopefully nutritious preventative.

OK So I have been reading some other sick fish threads and find I have some common factors with others namely the stringy poo. With a sicknening feeling I now realise all my other new fishys in Quarantine tank have been exposed to Hex as a likely cause. Sick betta removed to a hospital tank, and I will ring vet in morning to see If I can get a prescription. Have changed carbon filters and done a 50% water change in Q/T tank with a good gravel vacumn. Monitoring fish even more closely now. Have read somewhere that garlic can be used as a treatment with fish that are still eating as a preventative / cure. Anyone know how? Cheers

Thanks Adodge Your thoughts are appreciated. I guess if it's her time it's her time. Would be a shame as she is a nice fish. But I am expecting her not to make it. Will post the end result. With living creatures we are learning all the time. cheers Liz

Hi there No Idea how old she is. This is the best I can do for a top pic..camera not co operating.

Five days ago, when I brought her home..was more lively then. As of today .. looking washed out..she is pooing (so not constipated one would think. Scales seem fine..did consider dropsy..but I might be missing somthing. Does seem more distended in todays pics. Also seems to be going for air a lot, then burping it up.

OK In my quarantine tank..I have a few new fishys. 2 of which are Siamese females and one a stunning purple and red Male. Both females were showing a lot of colour, but after 3 days the larger and fatter one of the two has gone very bland on the body, and does not seem to eat, flake nor the bloodworm I put right under her nose. She spends a lot of time sitting on the plants near the surface, I guess getting oxygen. She looks quite fat, but stiff..and seems to be pooing so she must be getting somthing..but even the plants are new so maybe snails? Everyone else is happy and glowing and very active, aside from this bland girl. I can see no evidence of of slime or fungus at this point. (and I hope at no point). Any one more familiar with Betta's have a clue? Or do I worry for nothing? :-? Never had the Pleasure of these fishes before...they are very likeable.

Got these today and forgot to write down their name when I got home. Long Finned???? Somthing? And below..a trippy pic I got off my White Clouds Might use this one in my signature. Any tips on the name of the Salmon coloured fisheys appreciated.

Well..past and present I have had or have. Angel fish, Dwarf Gouramis, White Clouds, Black Tetras, Bristle noses (the Ellis get attached to those) I Have seen them in with Bolivan Butterflys in the Aquarium..and they seemed cool with each other being around. I am Told Siamese fighters get on well with them..and I'd like one but for fear of the resident Gourami dining on his fins. That same shop aquarium had small Gold Severum..But I don't now enough about them or the "Butterflys" to know how they would go long term and grown more. The Elephant noses are the most active and acrobatic of fish. Keep your tank covered if you get one

Very nice set up.