Fish TB

Question
I have a 4 year old tank (55 gallons) and perfect water
parameters.

I have 8 platys, 1 molly and pleco and a blue guarami.  The
only fish that has been in the tank 4 years in the guarami
and the pleco and they are happy and huge.

Every once in awhile, despite all attempts, I lose a fish.  
Each time they seem to become lethargic, hide and then just
waste away.  After seeing the curving of spines a few times,
I am pretty sure it's TB unless other diseases cause a sure
"curve."

My question is this - I have tried the 6 months of
antibiotics and everything to attempt to keep the little
guys healthy - but I continue to loose one here and there.
It always seems to concur with a platy fry birthing as well.

Will I ever remove this disease from the tank?  It is so sad
to know something's up when I feed and count one less.   It
seems to happen so quickly and I just wonder (with 2 just 4+
yrs old, I certainly cannot just pass them to a friend and
end the tank - but I am frustrated that I may just have the
"killing tank" waiting for these poor platys to fall victim.

What are your thoughts?

Answer
Maryann,

It seems that Gourami fish are more susceptible to the disease and that they are often "carriers" of it.  It sounds as if you get the disease taken care of, and it re-infects because there is one constant factor.  The Blue Gourami is probably a carrier.

Labyrinth fish are more susceptible to the disease than other species, although Mollies and Platties are thought to be more susceptible if not heated properly as well.

Short of replacing everything and getting a new lot of fish, there is not much else you can do but to hope it doesn't erupt again.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing for you to remember, is that you can catch this disease and so can your family.  

Please read the articles located at:

http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/curved_spine/

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/disease/tbc.php

http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/stressdisease.shtml

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/Diseases.htm

I wish I had better news, and certainly hope you can get hold of this case as soon as possible.

Thankyou,
Renee