Newbie with a fungus problem?)
Good move on changing the subject line — and being ABLE to change it. Nice to see that the fungus issue is behind you; that’s at least one step in the right direction in getting these fish back to good health. CB’s increased activity is even more encouraging than before.
Keeping an eye on the ammonia level, I would do an additional PWC (but a somewhat smaller one) at this time, and replace the removed PraziPro, and add Prime with it. While you don’t want the ammonia (ammonium) to increase much more, neither do you want to physically remove too much ammonium yet even though ideally you would strive for a zero (0) ammonia level in a fully cycled tank. I’m not fully convinced that your tank is completely cycled yet. You don’t want to starve out your nitrifying bacteria — but happily, your midnight readings indicate your nitrobacters and nitrospinas (nitrite- converting bacteria) are WELL populated as witness the 0 reading of this compound, having been completely converted to nitrate, but for some reason the nitrosomonas and nitrospiras (ammonia-converting bacteria) seem a bit slow and their populations may need building up (and would need food/ammonium with it).
The baseline readings certainly make it appear as though your tap water does not contain chloramine, yet an earlier baseline reading of your tap water appeared to be a contradictory enigma when in went from 0.0 to 0.25 the next day. To be assured on this, I’d suggest you still contact your water company tomorrow, as was planned.
You might give PetSmart a call on whether they do water testing, before going there, but I tend to doubt that they do (hope I’m wrong). If need be, give the LFS a shot at it while watching for his proper procedures. As long as he makes these tests properly and gives you the actual results (check those readings along with him, if he allows), you don’t need to take any further advise from him regarding these readings.
I would maintain the salt at its present level for the time being. This amount should not interfere with any of the aquarium’s life functions, unless you have plants; I’d wait until you’re completely out of the woods with health concerns, and continue watching any further red streaking of any fins. With your suspicion of Raven’s and CB’s tails being nipped by Lucille now being confirmed, this may be the direct cause of the redness in CB’s tail and this salt addition will help prevent any fungusing of the damaged tissue. As I first started reading this account of CB having a shortened and raggedy caudal fin, the disease of fin-rot went through my mind up until I read your sighting of Lucille picking on the other two fish. Hiding places and plant cover do seem in order, but this behavior only increases the need for a larger tank sooner. As this may be pre- spawning behavior on the part of Lucille, you may have to change her (his? name to Louis! (LOL) Ray
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
