Dead pleco...

[ccross]

Found my common pleco dead in my tank today. He is covered in white slimy stuff. What could it be? Should I be concerned about the goldfish that lived in the tank with him?

He was alive and seemed well yesterday. How could he already be covered in white slime?

 

[Trabba]

Sounds like it could be slime disease to me and yes it could affect the goldfish if that is the case.

 

[ccross]

Sounds like it could be slime disease to me and yes it could affect the goldfish if that is the case.

So how do I prevent/treat slime disease?

 

[xtra51]

I would recommend taking the fish out of the tank and placing them all in a quarantine tank. I would recommend treating with a medication such as MelaFix provided by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. (API) I use this and it has worked wonders on my sick fish. Not only mine, but I take care of some other tanks as well and use this product. API™ MelaFix® Antibacterial Fish Remedy - General Medications - Medications - PetSmart

 

[ccross]

I would recommend taking the fish out of the tank and placing them all in a quarantine tank. I would recommend treating with a medication such as MelaFix provided by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. (API) I use this and it has worked wonders on my sick fish. Not only mine, but I take care of some other tanks as well and use this product. API™ MelaFix® Antibacterial Fish Remedy - General Medications - Medications - PetSmart

I'll look into it, thanks!

 

[xtra51]

You are very welcome! This medication will not harm any other fish if you do not have a quarantine tank. (though I would really recommend it if you do not have one. My tank has saved me thousands.) Keep me posted with your fight!

 

[siva]

What size tank were they in? What's the parameters? I ask because slime disease most often occurs in poor water quality and/or overcrowding. General stress can cause it as well.

It's actually caused by a parasite, so Melafix is not the best treatment. Salt, raising the temp, and parasite meds are your best options.

I wouldn't treat as of yet. I would start by doing a large water change. Then wait and watch your goldie for symptoms, like cloudy looking patches, rapid breathing, and flashing.

 

[xtra51]

What size tank were they in? What's the parameters? I ask because slime disease most often occurs in poor water quality and/or overcrowding. General stress can cause it as well.

It's actually caused by a parasite, so Melafix is not the best treatment. Salt, raising the temp, and parasite meds are your best options.

I wouldn't treat as of yet. I would start by doing a large water change. Then wait and watch your goldie for symptoms, like cloudy looking patches, rapid breathing, and flashing.

Wow I did not know that! I guess you learning something knew everyday! I've been doing it wrong for years!

 

[siva]

Yes, we sure do. MelaFix is actually a tea tree oil. It's soothing for injuries, but won't really cure infections/parasites.

 

[xtra51]

Yes, we sure do. MelaFix is actually a tea tree oil. It's soothing for injuries, but won't really cure infections/parasites.

Correct I knew that, but I also thought that it actually fixed something. Darn you API!

 

[Trabba]

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, had to run earlier but siva has it right.