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Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-09-2004 10:08 AM         

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At work we have a 55 gallon tank with 2 pacus and 2 Oscars. Had 2 Plecos but they died. We started feeding them goldfish and minnows. When we learned about Hole In The Head we stopped. Now one Pacu has cloudy eye and Ich. Did 50% water change and I'm using Rid Ich+ but just learned that they don't tolerate Malachite green. What should I do?? I have grown to love them and don't want them to die.

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Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-09-2004 03:06 PM         

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Hi kdamd, It sounds like you are having bacterial problems in your tank. Ick can be caused by rapid temperature changes or bacteria buildup. The eye fungus is caused by bacteria buildup. I would suggest doing another large water change cleaning the gravel as you do. If you do not have salt in the tank I would recommend adding 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt per 10 gallons or 6 tablespoons for a 55 gallon. The salt will help keep down the occurance of both Ick and fungus. Gradually raise the tank temperature to 80 degrees, at a rate of about 2 degrees in a 24 hour period. Then treat the tank with Maracide for the Ick and Maracyn 2 for the eye fungus. Follow the directions on the medications. They specify a 5 day treatment. Before treating on the 3rd and 5th day of treatment I would suggest doing a 20% water change to keep the meds from building up in the tank. If they haven't cleared up by day 6 repeat the 5 day treatment following the same guidlines. Also when doing your water changes use a PH buffer like Novaqua because you will be making some rather large changes in PH. As usual use a chlorine/chloramine remover like Amquel when doing your water changes. Hope this helps. Let me know their progress.

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