freddy

hi...

i have a serious tank problem. i have 2 goldfish about 3 1/2 years old. they have been sick for months. one has been corner hiding for 2 months without any visible signs of sickness. the other had what i believed to be chilodonella. i have treated them with every medication possible and kept a log of what i did. the one who corner hides lost part of his tail yesterday and i believe that he may be beyond help. he still eats and can swim although he isn't, only to eat. i am treating the tank for fin and tail rot again. should i humanly destroy him? i don't know what to do. i feel terrible. i have tried to keep them healthy and they have been except for the last few months. i don't know if fish feel pain but he lost about a half inch section of his 4 inch tail from a little over an inch from the base. iit looks like he may lose a section from the other side as well. can anyone please advise. i love my goldfish.

thanks......

Tommy Gun

I would hang on a little bit longer, assuming that your fish is not suffering terribly.

What have you been treating your fish with? (medicines?)

Have you added any salt to your tank? It will help your fish breathe easier and since this chilodonella can cause the gills to stick together, then that may help you out a lot. I would go with the 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons dose....dissolving it in a cup of the tank's water first and then adding it slowly.

I would really go full blown with a antibiotic treatment right now. I think that is your best bet. I am not sure if fish feel pain but in my mind they do and so that is why I would exhaust all options here to make the best attempt that you can to slow down and eventually stop this problem. I would only go to euthanasia if the fish is obviously suffering badly, but that is my opinion and it is not the only one out there I am sure.

freddy

yes, i'll continue with the meds. i had just finished a round of mardel's maroxy followed by maracyn. this was for the other fish who had white splotches (chilondonella). now i am using maracide for what i believe to be fin and tail rot on the other, also a mardel product. the injured fish appears to be doing better today and i will consult books at work today for additional treatments (i work at a retail pet store but as a dog trainer). i did raise the temp to 76 yesterday as well. and i did add salt but only when i do a water change which was about 6 days ago. should i add it again? thanks for your advise. i don't live by a good fish store and this message board helps me a lot. keeping goldfish has been an interesting and rewarding hobby and i get a lot of satisfaction out of having happy and healthy fish.

michele