One betta male – Ishmael 10 gallon hospital tank with heater and an air stone attached to a pump to circulate the water
No gravel or plants (Just a mug for Ishmael to hide in)
No filter (didn’t have one because Ishmael used to be in a 1½ gallon bowl)
I didn’t notice the fungus until a week after Ishmael’s loss of appetite and lack of energy (it was small then, but quickly grew). I started an antifungal regiment on Thursday (API Pimafix Antifungal Fish Remedy) and the fungus cleared away very quickly. But that’s when I saw how much damage it did. He is missing a good chunk of flesh from his side, behind his pectoral fin.
I’m following the instructions on the bottle, which calls for seven days of doses (without a water change until after the seventh day, and then only a 25% water change). However, on day 4 a weird material formed on the bottom, and it kinda looks like the fungus that used to be attached to Ishmael, only now in MUCH larger quantities.
I performed a 50% water change on Sunday, trying to siphon all the gunk out, but some remained. In fact there appears to be more than what remained… so it’s growing? Could it be from the accumulation of the meds? Also, Ishmael seems re-infected (not as badly) and it looks like his wound got bigger. Well, no, not “looks like,” it has.
However!!! Good news. He ate for the first time today! He hasn't eaten for almost 2 weeks so this is major. But the wound keeps me from rejoicing much.
Here's how bad it is:
No gravel or plants (Just a mug for Ishmael to hide in)
No filter (didn’t have one because Ishmael used to be in a 1½ gallon bowl)
I didn’t notice the fungus until a week after Ishmael’s loss of appetite and lack of energy (it was small then, but quickly grew). I started an antifungal regiment on Thursday (API Pimafix Antifungal Fish Remedy) and the fungus cleared away very quickly. But that’s when I saw how much damage it did. He is missing a good chunk of flesh from his side, behind his pectoral fin.
I’m following the instructions on the bottle, which calls for seven days of doses (without a water change until after the seventh day, and then only a 25% water change). However, on day 4 a weird material formed on the bottom, and it kinda looks like the fungus that used to be attached to Ishmael, only now in MUCH larger quantities.
I performed a 50% water change on Sunday, trying to siphon all the gunk out, but some remained. In fact there appears to be more than what remained… so it’s growing? Could it be from the accumulation of the meds? Also, Ishmael seems re-infected (not as badly) and it looks like his wound got bigger. Well, no, not “looks like,” it has.
- What should I do about his wound?
- Is the lack of water changes a problem? I want to follow instructions but I’m worried about quality of water.
- Am I combating the fungus properly? (And is that gunky stuff fungus, also…?)
- At what point do I consider euthanasia?
However!!! Good news. He ate for the first time today! He hasn't eaten for almost 2 weeks so this is major. But the wound keeps me from rejoicing much.
Here's how bad it is:
