white growth on eyes & fins

Question
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Followup To
Question -
What can be the cause of this white looking stuff on my fishes eyes & on top fin? It also looks like his top fin is like rotting away
Answer -
Hi Mike;

What kind of fish is he?  REDLINE SNAKEHEAD
What size tank do you have him in? 30-35
How long has it been set up?   ABOUT 1 YEAR
What other kinds of fish are in the tank?  NONE
What is the water temperature? BETWEEN 73-78
Does it have a filter?  YES..Marineland 30/60

Let me know as soon as you can.....

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

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Answer
Hi Mike;

Check the water chemistry. If ammonia or nitrite are elevated it will cause erosion of the skin and eyes. Make a 25% water change while vacuuming the gravel. If ammonia or nitrite are elevated, do these water changes daily until things are normal again. Clean water should get him back in good shape.

Even if the water chemistry seems fine, do some gravel cleaning and water changes anyway. He may have an infection that just needs cleaner water for him to be able to fight off. Aquarium salt is a good natural disease fighter. Add it to the tank at a dose of 1/2 teaspoon per gallon. Add more every time you do a water change, but only for the water you have replaced. This keeps it at the same concentration. Another thing you can use is Melafix by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. It is a good natural bacteria and fungus inhibitor too. I've used both of these with every kind of fish imaginable and they work quite well with less stress on the fish than traditional medications.

Personally, I try to avoid serious antibiotics and other chemicals for my fish and other pets whenever possible. It isn't healthy for the tank and can sometimes make other problems worse while it cures the main disease.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins