Frequent Aquarium Questions

• What medication can you recommend for Ich in my freshwater aquarium?
  
  
• One of my blue gouramis has developed red pectoral fins, is lethargic, and has lost its appetite. What can I do?
  
  
• My 2.5 year old betta lost 3/8 of its tail a month ago is slowly growing it back. When he is on the bottom he rests on his tail almost completely vertical. Does he have a swim bladder problem?
  
  
• My Fantailed Goldfish in my backyard pond has a fungal infection. He is the only affected fish in pond. What should I do?
  
  
• I have an Oscar that is six years old. The oscar is swimming on its side and its body is curved. Is this a disease that can be treated?
  
  
• My betta has been living in a large 2 gallon glass vase with a live bamboo shoot growing out of it. I've noticed that he does not look as healthy as when I first purchased him. What is wrong?
  
  
• My cichlid has been inactive and floats on the bottom of the tank. Her belly is bloated and has been this way for over a month. Is she pregnant?
  
  
• My angelfish has some fungus on the side of its body. Is Melafix and Pimafix good medications?
  
  
• I've tried many medications and dips for my fish that are constantly scratching. Is there anything else I can do?
  
  
• Can aquarium salt be used to treat diseases such as Ichthyophthirius?
  
  

• What medication can you recommend for Ich in my freshwater aquarium?
  
  You should try Quick Cure by Aquarium Products.
  
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• One of my blue gouramis has developed red pectoral fins, is lethargic, and has lost its appetite. What can I do?
  
  You should perform a water change including servicing of filters. Try feeding quality frozen food.
  
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• My 2.5 year old betta lost 3/8 of its tail a month ago is slowly growing it back. When he is on the bottom he rests on his tail almost completely vertical. Does he have a swim bladder problem?
  
  If your fish had a swim bladder infection, it would be swimming erratically in the water column.
  
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• My Fantailed Goldfish in my backyard pond has a fungal infection. He is the only affected fish in pond. What should I do?
  
  I assume that your pond is of considerable volume. It would be easier to remove the infected fish and place it in a hospital tank for medication.
  
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• I have an Oscar that is six years old. The oscar is swimming on its side and its body is curved. Is this a disease that can be treated?
  
  If your Oscar is 6 years old, then it is probably of considerable size. Treating larger, older fish is difficult. I would try small multiple water changes to decrease most of the organic content of the water and feed with food soaked with the appropriate medication.
  
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• My betta has been living in a large 2 gallon glass vase with a live bamboo shoot growing out of it. I've noticed that he does not look as healthy as when I first purchased him. What is wrong?
  
  Your betta is suffering from deteriorating water quality. Even with the bamboo shoot, 2 gallons of water spoils quickly without filtration.
  
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• My cichlid has been inactive and floats on the bottom of the tank. Her belly is bloated and has been this way for over a month. Is she pregnant?
  
  Your fish is not pregnant but probably has an internal bacterial infection.
  
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• My angelfish has some fungus on the side of its body. Is Melafix and Pimafix good medications?
  
  Yes. They are very effective when used together.
  
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• I've tried many medications and dips for my fish that are constantly scratching. Is there anything else I can do?
  
  I would treat again with Quickcure for at least 10 days. Then I would look into purchasing a UV sterilzer to kill the free-floating parasites.
  
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• Can aquarium salt be used to treat diseases such as Ichthyophthirius?
  
  No, but salt is used as a tonic in some freshwater situations as a preventative. If you already have ich, you will need to address that with a specific ich medication.
  
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