Barb is sick

Question
We had the tank 13 years. Our tank size is 35. We have two Barbs two silver dollars and one Sucke sucke(plecosomus)and one Mr.snail. We had the barbs and the silver dollars for 12 years and sucke sucke(plecostomus) we had 5 yrs and Mr. Snail for 8 months. We change the water once a month. My question is one of the barbs is sick he has open wounds on his faces and his scales are coming off at night he bangs up against the wall and he just knocked the top off and jumped out. All the other fish seem fine and I was going to treat him with anti fungus and anti bacteria stuff but I can't with  Mr Snail in there what to do Also I can't separate him because he so big. HELP he's my baby  

Answer
Hi Cathy;

You need to use medicine in the tank so take Mr. Snail out to keep him safe. Put him with some tank water into a bowl or something you can put a lid on. Make sure there are holes so he can get oxygen. Keep him in a warm place. Put a piece of romaine lettuce, or a green bean, cucumber slice or squash slice to give him something to eat. Change a little of his water every day to keep it fresh, about 25%. He doesn't need a filter or bubbles. Snails come to the top for oxygen.

Next, get an antibiotic product called "Maracyn-Two". It sounds like your sick fish has an internal bacterial infection and the M2 treats internally by absorbing into the body. Other meds treat only the outside. Before using the antibiotic, Make a 25% water change in the tank. It will help boost his immunity. Use the Maracyn-Two according to the instructions on the label.

I hope he feels better soon....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins