[Trey740]

I posted in the cichlid forum but only got one response to remove the serpae tetra, which I did. I did this almost a week ago, but I have not seen any improvement. Here is the problem I have:

The top fin is white and kind of shredded looking, but I have noticed that on the part where the body meets the tail there is one white little bump on him. I was wondering if anyone had any idea what is wrong with him or could be wrong with him and what I should do.

 

[GwenInNM]

I posted in the cichlid forum but only got one response to remove the serpae tetra, which I did. I did this almost a week ago, but I have not seen any improvement. Here is the problem I have:

The top fin is white and kind of shredded looking, but I have noticed that on the part where the body meets the tail there is one white little bump on him. I was wondering if anyone had any idea what is wrong with him or could be wrong with him and what I should do.

I wouldn't do anything but keep an eye on it. Make sure your water is pristine. These fish do well with soft- acidic water and low ph. Also you should have as close to 0 nitrates as possible. What is your ph and other water parameters? Keep your temperature at 80 or even a tad above.

Gwen

 

[Trey740]

My nitrates are at 0. My water I'd at about 10-11 dGH hardness. Temperature is kept at 80-81. I did have a small ammonia spike, but this happened after I noticed the marks on the fins(probably from adding more fish the other day. My pH is about 7.5 give or take some. I'll keep an eye on it and see what comes of it. He seems to be doing fine, swimming around all over, picking at things and still eating good.
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[Jester10]

Eating good is a very good sign. When fish stop eating is when you really need to worry. Hopefully it never gets that bad.

 

[Trey740]

So, I got ammonie down to 0 after the small strike, nitrites are 0. All other water parameters are good as well. But what is really bothering me, is the look of my ram, mainly his fins. Here are a couple pictures. If anyone could tell me what is going on, I would GREATLY appreciate it. He still eats and swims around actively.

Any idea?

(I did have serpae tetra with him, but I recently moved them when I started to notice the problem with the fins.)

 

[GwenInNM]

That's not good. Fungus infection? I'd go get "general cure " I believe it's by API. Treats a broud spectrum of things
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[Byron]

To answer your question "what is going on?" -- this would seem to be the effect of the nipping by Serpae Tetra. At least you have learned that those of us who advise not keepig known fin nippers with cichlids do know what we are talking about. We all learn from our mistakes.

Clean water is the best remedy now. I would do more frequent water changes, and maintain stable parameters and conditions. As this was caused by nipping, it will regenerate if the environment is good.

I would go this route before using any medications. As long as the source is eradicated, the fish will regain its strength without the stress.

Byron.

 

[Trey740]

Yeah, I definitely have learned my mistake. But, the water parameters have been very good the past couple days of checking. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite pH has been about 7.2/7.3 and hardness has been about 11 (I believe). Water is a little hard, but it is actually close to the water, actually a little softer than the water he was kept in at the fish store, which is what the profile said. I'll hold off on the medicine than, and just keep doing my 25% water change every 3 days until things get better.

Thank you
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[dave56]

A 25% water change every day would be better!! It will keep the water in good shape, and his fins will heal faster.

 

[Byron]

Agree with dave. And on your water, things sound fine, I would not fuss over the GH here.

 

[GwenInNM]

Glad you got the right answer, and you moved the other fish. I know nothing about that type of Tetra:shock: Agree that with clean water the fin will heal itself in a relatively short time.

 

[Trey740]

I know that you have said that the fins looked as though they are nipped, and I agree, but would this cause other little spots to appear? They is a white spot noticeable on the body and also on the bottom fin. Could this be caused from stress to the fish from the fins being nipped? Or could this be a case of ich? If it is ich, I already have medication for that as I treated for it in another tank with much success. I can get a picture if that would help.

 

[Byron]

I know that you have said that the fins looked as though they are nipped, and I agree, but would this cause other little spots to appear? They is a white spot noticeable on the body and also on the bottom fin. Could this be caused from stress to the fish from the fins being nipped? Or could this be a case of ich? If it is ich, I already have medication for that as I treated for it in another tank with much success. I can get a picture if that would help.

I saw that spot before. It is not ich, at least from what I can see in the photos I wouldn't think it was. No doubt related to the fin nipping. Follow the suggestions we've previously indicated, I think all this should resolve itself.

On medications in general, don't be quick to use them, ever. Always make very certain the problem is correctly identified, and then if necessary treat accordingly. Fish from soft water as this ram is are negatively impacted by chemicals and medications, no matter what they are, so they should only be used with caution and certainty. More harm will be done to the fish (stress itself, leading to other issues) by subjecting it to any chemical or medication when this is not going to actually deal with something specific.

And while we're on ich, the best treatment for this is simply to raise the temp to 86F or more, for a week or two. Provided the species can manage (as the ram can), this will deal with ich and be much less stressful.

Byron.

 

[Tolak]

Yea, fish sometimes get out of line with aggression. If you get into keeping cichlids, and especially if you get into breeding them you'll get used to bit up fins, missing scales & such, it's all part of it. I'll bet the bit of body damage is a good nip, or a scrape from trying to escape or hide from being nipped. Good call on pulling the tetra.

What I do when I come across a battered fish is move them to a smaller tank, easier to work with. 50% water changes daily for the first week, every other day for the second week, wait 10 minutes before adding dechlorinator. You'll have really clean water, a 10 minute daily antibacterial treatment, and a nice R&R time for a traumatized fish. Don't be surprised if the fins grow back better than they originally were, I've had this happen on numerous occasions.

 

[Trey740]

SO, for an update, the ram didn't make it. His fins never really got better and eventually he died .

I'm not going to be getting another for a while, but if I do decide to go with the blue ram again, I will for sure be getting a pair (male and female) together to put in the tank.

 

[GwenInNM]

SO, for an update, the ram didn't make it. His fins never really got better and eventually he died .

I'm not going to be getting another for a while, but if I do decide to go with the blue ram again, I will for sure be getting a pair (male and female) together to put in the tank.

I'm sorry for your loss Yes, a male/female pair is best. When my gorgeous male got hole in head disease, I waited to treat him, and lost him. These are sensitive fish and I still think treatment needs to happen sooner than later with them. You just want to use a lower dosage than recommended by directions. I think Byron will disagree with me but either way with these fish, loss is likely when they get some illness. Sad.

 

[Byron]

I'm sorry for your loss Yes, a male/female pair is best. When my gorgeous male got hole in head disease, I waited to treat him, and lost him. These are sensitive fish and I still think treatment needs to happen sooner than later with them. You just want to use a lower dosage than recommended by directions. I think Byron will disagree with me but either way with these fish, loss is likely when they get some illness. Sad.

I don't disagree, quite the opposite. The problem though is knowing the disease/issue. Treatment for the wrong problem will severely add to the problem.

 

[Jeffrey]

Rams are my absolute favorite ;-) I second keeping them in pairs. They are sensitive social fish, and regular interaction can help keep them healthy enough to prevent problems like these