Malawi Cichlid problem

Question
Hi, I have a 200 gallon malawi tank, I have problems with fish flicking, I have treated with malachite twice with the recommended dose to no avail, there are a few fish that sit all quiet with fins clamped flicking and looking like they are trying to expel something from their mouth. These treatments did no good as the fish kept flicking and looking miserable, the majority of the fish are fine, some flicking but still the same few are not well, I tried more than the stated dose  but no difference, I am having fish dying and I dont seem to be able to do anything about it.  I am not doing these treatments close together, I am leaving approx 4 weeks between treatments, I change 35 - 40% of water every 3 weeks and am at a loss as to why I cant get rid of whatever it is, I have been plagued by this problem for far too long, can you help me!!

Answer
Hi Martyn,
 Chronic deaths in Malawi fishes are tricky.  I have encountered the same thing myself and not come to any great answers.  Malachite works if the culprit is ick, but if it were ick, they wouldn't last that long, i.e., they would either die or get better within a week or a couple of weeks at most.  It may be a gill issue and those are really hard to diagnose and treat unfortunately.

 I would suggest that you increase your water changes to about 25%, once a week, every week, just as a general maintenance schedule.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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