Itchy Goldfish Options

[ernmei]

Hi,

I have a comet who has been scratching and flashing for the past week. His dorsal fin was red at the base and parts of the fin had some white stuff on it (but it didn't look cottony). From what I've read, this is a parasite problem so I've been treating the tank with Quick Cure over the past three days and the redness has gone and the white patches are less pronounced( I can only see it under very close inspection). But my fish is still scratching and flashing, and he hangs out close to the surface with his back sticking out of the water and not gasping. I don't know what else to do. I just did a 40% water change and dropped a Jungle Parasite Clear tablet into my 10-gallon tank. But right now, I don't even know if it's a parasite and if the tablet will help. The ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are all at 0. And the pH is 7.8. Any help will be much appreciated.

Audrey

[namaste]

hi Audrey,
Just happened to read your post.
I suggest you should do 0.75% long salt treatment and stop feeding with the sick fish.
I think your water quality is not good.
If possible, it is best to change fresh water with salt treatment every day.

Observe closely and keep us posted again.

Good Luck,
Desmond Lee

This post has been edited by namaste: Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:31 am

[ernmei]

Thanks Desmond I didn't want to do anything more to my tank until the parasite clear treatment is completed (48 hours). My fish seems to be better though, less flashing and scratching and he hasn't been sticking his dorsal fin out of the water. Should I still do the salt treatment anyway?

Audrey

[namaste]

hi Audrey,

Good to know your fish seems to be better.
It's up to you if you want to do something more...or less.
As long as there's a sign of recovery, any treating method is fine.
But try to prolong the treatment as long as possible.

Regards,
Desmond Lee