Fish dog is back- Hi cole!

[fishdog]

I did not bleach the tank. *I decided to see what happend and watch closely. *I have not had any more fish die. *I did notice that one of the fish is goldish in color and the other one like it is not. *It does not seem to be sick, but I don't know. *I would have to take a week of off work to bleach the tank and then the cycle would be messed up so I took my chances. *How will I know when it is safe to add new fish. *Is there a way to test for these deseses?

I won't bug you guys for answers like before, I will sit back and wait. smiley* miley* ley*

Hi cole

[colesea]

Hey fish dog! *

Unfortunately there is no way to test for diseases unless you enjoy microscopes, culture slides, necropsy, tissue samples, and a whole lot of other time consuming scientific fun stuff. You could take your fish to a vet and let them have the good time, provided there is one in your area that would treat fish. We've got one here that specializes in koi. Of course, when you own a $10,000 imported, pure-strain, top of the line, Japanease kio, you're not going to euthanize the thing if the diesase is treatable.

Color change of fish is very common.  Given the recent history of your tank, I would probably say that the not-goldish-suppose-to-be-gold fish is suffering from a bit of stress and could have sustained skin and scale chemical-burn like injuries from medications/amonia/nitrite poison.  But fish cange color based on breeding readiness, background decor, lighting, food, where it is in the pecking order, and in response to stress.  You best bet it son carefully monitor his conditions and quaritine it if condtions worsten or if it is getting harassed by other fish.

The only course of action left to you seems to be the one you're taking. Sit back and keep a close eye on your fish.  If you note any other signs of disease or the tank takes a turn for the worst, then you know it is definately not safe to put new fish in your tank.  But you may never know when it is safe since diseases have no "elimination" time limit. You may think you've got rid of the disease, but it could simply be hiding, waiting for the chance to pounce on another immuno-compromised, stressed-out fish, and send the tank into a tailspin again.  The only way you'd know 100% sure you creamed the nasty buggers is with bleach.  Just quaritine all new purchases and hope for the best.
~~Colesea

[fishdog]

You are so nice, thank you for all the advise you have given me. You must really no your fish.  I did find a fish a red tailed shark that has white all around it's mouth.  Does not look like ick.  What is that.  I know now I need to treat because this is the first time I have ever seen anything like that in the tank.  I want to try to treat the tank opposed to the bleach thing.  So what should I use?  Or should I just take that guy out and put in 10 gal.  and if so what should I treat him with?

Thanks so much.

LeeAnne smiley*

[nonamethefish]

If the white is fuzzy it may be columnaris.