fish ailments

Question
i got some feeders for my oscars last week from petsmart and like so many times before they were diese riddin itlooks like ick on fins but allso acompany large blisters and has rapidly spread to everything just lost large pocco  to it malachite and sea salt seam to have no efect

Answer
Hi Paul;

You didn't give me much to go on so I still need more info. Check the water chemistry first. Have it tested for the levels of pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Don't let the store tell you it's "okay" or "something is off". We need actual numbers. Make a 25% water change in the meantime to help them feel better. Clean water boosts the immunity no matter what could be wrong. Oscars are very messy guys, especially those who eat feeders. Water problems can develop very quickly. You can add medicine thinking the fish have a disease, but actually can make them more sick because it's a problem with the water. The medicine then burns their tender skin. It's always best to test first and medicate as a last resort. Fish get sick very easily if the water isn't clean.

In addition to the test results I really need to know more about your fish and tank;

What do the spots look like on the fins? White blotches? Salt-specks?
How long has the tank been set up?
What size is it?
How big are the fish?
What kind of filtration?
When was it last cleaned?
When was the last water change?
How much was changed?
How often do you usually do water changes?
Do you vacuum the gravel?
What is the water temperature? Is the temp. usually stable?

Also, don't try to feed them at all for a few days. It will help their bodies work on healing instead of digesting. Then get them on a different food. No matter where you buy them feeders can spread disease. There are very good quality pellets out there that have a full range of nutrition. Feeders can't provide that once they have travelled so far in such horrible conditions from the farm.

Let me know as soon as you can about the info I need...

Chris Robbins