Helping friends Fresh Water fish!!

[Fishturd]

My friend has a 55 gal fresh water tank and one of his fish in it is a Redtail Shark and he says big pieces are falling off of it like he's rotting away. What is this and What causes this and how do I treat?

Thanks for your help

[Cosine]

that doesn't sound good...
I'd get it in quarantine asap
is it losing fins or hunks of flesh?
I really don't know

[bcromwell]

Google Fin Rot,

He should
A) Do a 50% water change
B) Add about 2 tsp. of Aquarium salt per gallon of water,
C) If after a week not getting any better get some OTC antibiotics

Fin rot is caused by a normal bacteria in the water. It's usually harmless, but can begin to grow on the fish if it overwhelms the immune system, much like fungus on humans. Times of stress will reduce the fish's immune system to the point where it can't cope.

[bcromwell]

Originally Posted by bcromwell

Google Fin Rot,

He should
A) Do a 50% water change
B) Add about 2 tsp. of Aquarium salt per gallon of water,
C) If after a week not getting any better get some OTC antibiotics

Fin rot is caused by a normal bacteria in the water. It's usually harmless, but can begin to grow on the fish if it overwhelms the immune system, much like fungus on humans. Times of stress will reduce the fish's immune system to the point where it can't cope.

Sorry, Can't figure out how to edit, It should have been 2tsp per 10 Gallons of water.

[Geoff]

i do not know, but i was going to post to tell you to post in the FW forum, but you have already found it.

G~

[Junkzoo]

Originally Posted by Geoff

i do not know, but i was going to post to tell you to post in the FW forum, but you have already found it.

G~

LOL Geoff,,,I did the same thing yesterday,,,i moved this to FW forum, but found it was already there too, so i moved it back here,,,,
Sorry, but can't help you on your problem,,

[Fishturd]

Yeah, it did post it in the FW fourm. And Havent had one responce yet. So I knew someone in the salt had to at least know something about it, but my friend thanks for everyones in put anyways.

[alaskaknucklehead]

melafix,

you have some posts in the FW forum

[krackel]

I have a red tail shark in one of my FW tanks. it had that same problem a while back.
I dont know why, but the problem went away (mostly) I think it might be due to the lush algae growth in the tank. Very nutritious....

[rottielover]

Sounds like fin rot

Personally I've had very good luck with using a "hospital tank" and a combo of Marycn and Marycn II (treats gram + and gram - bacterial infections).

Rock salt in the FW aquarium is questionable at best, google "the great salt myth"...

Instead of salt to help the gill function I'd use Methalyn Blue, not only helps with oxegen exchange, but keeps any 2ndary fungus in check.

I don't mean to "plug" for other sites, but have your friend check out www.badmanstropicalfish.com they have a good message board with some helpful people on it.