The Dreaded Aurnati Fungus

[-DC-]

I may just be very lucky! My 6 inch auranti jumped out of its tank one sunday evening. Fortunately, I was in the room and was able to return it in the tank. However, by Monday afternoon it already developed fungus on its left flank and its pectoral fins and tail looked like it had fin rot. I immediately checked on my melafix and pimafix to begin treatment. I discovered, however, that both were already expired (the pimafix 2 years expired, the melafix over a year expired). Due to desperation, I still used the expired melafix and began treatment. Its been a week and the flank has healed (no more red marks) and the scales are beginning to grow. The pectoral fins and tail are also slowly coming back to its former glory.

I will continue using the expired melafix until everything is healed. Will get a new one when this is over.

Just feel so fortunate that my auranti made it!

Chances are what u had wasn't the same fungus. Might not have been fungus at all,chances are it was thick slime coat buildup, with a more serious physical injury it's common for a thick white layer to form ove the wound , it can build up even become stringy looking, eventually it sloughs off and reveals the injured tissue below such as veiny scales or pink flesh depending on the severity. It'll then heal or might repeat the process a few times before healing.

 

[bottles]

I just finished re-reading this whole thread. Wow! What a fight this was. I am truly impressed with the way you stuck this out. I hope all is well. It seemed to all boil down to water chemistry and the right combination of meds at the correct dosages, not to mention a determined owner that refused to give up. I don't think I could be happier if they were my fish! Just an absoulty outstanding job.

Yes, it was a crazy fight. Thanks again for all the help. I was very determined. They're beautiful fish and all the effort paid off. It doesn't sound like there were any survivors from that shipment, so I'm happy we were able to save these guys.

 

[Anton]

Does "thick slimecoat buildup" cause the pectoral and tail fins to rot?

 

[bottles]

It's back...
I just started working in a group home for troubled kids and I'm doing 96hr shifts. Unfortunately, I can't do daily water changes and offer daily doses of meds anymore. Everything has been perfectly fine for over a month, and now it's back. This is pretty frustrating.
I don't work again until Thursday, so I'm going to do everything that I can in the time that I have. Is there anything that will knock this out for good? I don't mind trying some heavier meds at this point. It seems to be just as bad or worse than before.
If these fish die, will I even be able to introduce another species, or will this tank have to be stripped entirely?
Again, any help would be appreciated. I'll post the water parameters this afternoon.
Thanks.

 

[petspoiler]

Bottles, you should try PMing Tom for the fastest daytime response.

SO sorry to hear this from you.

 

[-DC-]

It's back...
I just started working in a group home for troubled kids and I'm doing 96hr shifts. Unfortunately, I can't do daily water changes and offer daily doses of meds anymore. Everything has been perfectly fine for over a month, and now it's back. This is pretty frustrating.
I don't work again until Thursday, so I'm going to do everything that I can in the time that I have. Is there anything that will knock this out for good? I don't mind trying some heavier meds at this point. It seems to be just as bad or worse than before.
If these fish die, will I even be able to introduce another species, or will this tank have to be stripped entirely?
Again, any help would be appreciated. I'll post the water parameters this afternoon.
Thanks.

Very sorry to hear this. that's very surprising, and i can imagine quite discouraging but dont give up hope, You beat it once which is more then most can say.

 

[bottles]

Bottles, you should try PMing Tom for the fastest daytime response.

SO sorry to hear this from you.

Thanks, I'll shoot him a PM now.

Very sorry to hear this. that's very surprising, and i can imagine quite discouraging but dont give up hope, You beat it once which is more then most can say.

Thanks, DC. I'd be happy to put in 100% to try and help these guys again, but with 4 days a week away from home, it will be difficult.

 

[bottles]

Water parameters: Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate >20, KH 8, PH 7.2, GH ? (still haven't grabbed a GH kit), temp 66F (18C).

Edit: I'm adding a heater now. I will bring the temp up to 75F over the next 4 days or so. I don't like messing with their seasonal cycles, but if it helps, it is better than more dead fish.

 

[Aquanero]

I got your message. This really sucks sorry to see it back. I think since you are open to stronger treatments API Fungas Cure (Malachite Green/Acriflavin) or Quick Cure (Malachite Green/Formalin). These are two combinations we stayed away from last time due to not knowing how these fish would handle them. After the last bout I think we determined they are not as sensative as is generally thought and should handel the treatment, with either one of these. I'm still not ready to suggest nuking them with Clout.

 

[bottles]

Thanks, Aquanero.
I do have some Quick Cure on hand. I will do a 50% water change and then medicate. I have to run to the LFS for more 3x Sulfa. Would you say go with a full dosage, or just half dosage to start?
Thanks again.