strange growth

Question
Recently have had at least 2 of our african cichlids have whatlooks like a growth protruding from one side of their gills.  The affected fish seem to be eating normally, swimming as normal, but we are concerned that there is something serious occuring within the entire tank.

We do a water change of close to 50% about every 5-6 weeks, and ph usually runs around 7.2
We use RIFF salt with each water change as well, and the water is run through a compressed carbon purifier, and then slightly heated before pouring into the tank.  Tank temp is kept around 80deg F.   

I could send you a couple photos of the growths if that would help


Answer
Hi John,
 Hmmm...  weird growths are very hard to deal with since they are either a parasite, or some form of tumor.  If it is a tumor it is unlikely to be infective.  

 You need to change water more often.  You would be better to do 20% every other week, rather than 50% every 5-6 weeks.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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