Hank has made it two more nights since we became really concerned and noticed severe fungus/bacterial infection. We changed a small amount of water and had done one treatment for ick using Imagitarium Parasite Remover. We since had some feedback through this site and have ordered e.m erythromycin and I believe malachite green that should be coming in today.
The poor guy hadn't moved at all yesterday, we really were contemplating euthanasia as he was wobbling in the current of the filter and his breathing seemed labored. Once I shut off the light next to his tank he sprang into swimming erratically throughout the tank in small bursts. A lot of cloudy mucus came off of him and we were able to get a good look at what severe damage the pleco had done.. I do worry that this could be spasms/last flashes of energy.
His tail looks like it was half removed and he has a lesion on his side. I have such guilt for trying to have a tank companion and trying to have a little extra support in keeping the tank clean... If we do this again there is no chance I'm taking the risk of a pleco, regardless of what the store representative insists.
Today he has actually moved a few times. He doesnt seem as "fuzzy" and the spots are more defined. Do we think this is progression of disease/slime coat is just not going to keep up?
Any and all insight is appreciated. We are very new to dealing with a sick fish and just want to be confident that we're caring for the little guy the best we can.
The poor guy hadn't moved at all yesterday, we really were contemplating euthanasia as he was wobbling in the current of the filter and his breathing seemed labored. Once I shut off the light next to his tank he sprang into swimming erratically throughout the tank in small bursts. A lot of cloudy mucus came off of him and we were able to get a good look at what severe damage the pleco had done.. I do worry that this could be spasms/last flashes of energy.
His tail looks like it was half removed and he has a lesion on his side. I have such guilt for trying to have a tank companion and trying to have a little extra support in keeping the tank clean... If we do this again there is no chance I'm taking the risk of a pleco, regardless of what the store representative insists.
Today he has actually moved a few times. He doesnt seem as "fuzzy" and the spots are more defined. Do we think this is progression of disease/slime coat is just not going to keep up?
Any and all insight is appreciated. We are very new to dealing with a sick fish and just want to be confident that we're caring for the little guy the best we can.