A natural process that aids fish keepers Nitrification is a biological process during which nitrifying bacteria convert toxic ammonia to less harmful nitrate. All we need to do is provide the right conditions for the nitrifying bacteria to thrive. It is important to bear in mind the potential threat to fish health if nitrification is ..
Antibiotic injections: Injection of antibiotics gives the best success rate, especially when dealing with advanced bacterial infections. Injections give a measured amount of drug directly into the body, leading to high blood and tissue levels of antibiotic. The disadvantages are that handling will often cause stress and a certain amount of skill is necessary in ..
Copper sulphate as a fish disease treatment Copper sulphate (sulfate) can be used to treat a range of parasites affecting marine aquarium fish. Protozoan parasites such as Crytocaryon (marine Ich), Trichodina, Amyloodium (marine velvet disease) as well as monogenean flukes – Dactylogyrus (gill flukes) and Gyrodactylus (skin fluke). It is not recommended for treating freshwater fish. Using copper Copper is active against ..
Salt, a good general disease treatment. Salt has long been the fish-keeper’s treatment standby. Salt works well against many protozoan parasites such as Costia, Trichodina and Chilodonella as well as flukes and other ectoparasites. It can also assist osmoregulation problems caused by bacterial ulcers; help clear congested gills as well as supporting fish suffering from stress. Because it works ..
Table of Contents New set up … I have recently started a new pond or tank and introduced several fish. I have lost several fish. There are no marks or signs of disease? My fish are sick …they are not eating / lethargic / respiring heavily/ have had losses / changed colour / inflammation / ..
Quaternary ammonia compounds as fish disease treatments: Quaternary ammonia compounds (QACs) are powerful disinfectants with additional surfactant (detergent) action. As well as acting against bacteria, their surfactant action removes excess mucus containing parasites and bacteria. They are particularly suited to treating external bacterial infections such as Bacterial Gill Disease. In removing excess mucus from the ..
Chloramine-T and fish disease. As chloramine-T dissolves it slowly breaks down to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which in turn releases chlorine and oxygen. There is some uncertainty as to the active species of the breakdown products. Certainly, any chlorine present is liable to have an effect against flukes and parasites such as Costia, Chilodonella, white spot and Trichodina, ..
Fish disease is a complex subject It is often believed that fish are less complex than other animals, and therefore disease diagnosis is simpler. Unfortunately, this is one of the big fish keeping myths! The simple fact is that it is impossible to make a full and accurate diagnosis without carrying out a basic examination ..
When disease is suspected Any unusual behaviour or changes in physical condition often indicate a health problem. As already stated, it is impossible to make a firm diagnosis based purely on ‘symptoms’ or clinical signs. However, careful observation of symptoms helps to reduce the number of possible causes. See clinical signs- a guide to common problems Making ..
Like little chemical factories Bacteria are minute organisms invisible to the naked eye. There are many different types of bacteria and they are probably the most diverse group of organisms on the planet – each like a little chemical factory. Very few species are pathogenic (disease-causing). Those that are harmful can be divided into two ..
