Ill plecs :(

[Kotty]

I have recently lost a plec because they had a white patch on their back (oval shaped, fungusy looking). My other one now has the same and I think my L-245 has got it too?

What can I do? - change the water, add medicine?

[Silurus]

Is fungus actually there? If it is, it's probably a secondary infection.

[Kotty]

Well Im not entirely sure if its fungus, its whitish pale in colour and definitely noticeable.

[DeLBoD]

Google search "Costia necatrix"

[Plec0maniac]

if its fungus try to rub it gently of the plec. then add some desolve salt to the water, raise the temp to 32c. and some mild anitibiotics for fungus treatment! goodluck

[Kotty]

my l245 is dead... expensive bout of illness and he was my favourite fish
I dont think Ive ever rescued a fish when its started to get ill.

[DeLBoD]

Can you give youâ??re water parameters, and what other fish do you keep?

[Kotty]

Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 15, Ph 8, gh 11 kh 13, Phosphor 1

I keep with it 10 Rummny nosed tetra, 3 Ancistrus, 2 rams, 6 black phantom tetra, 3 coulis, 4 otos, 8 guppys, 4 platys, a red tailed shark, a betta, a golden nugget and 8 corys all in a 380 litre tank.

At the moment I filter my water through a nitragon unit and Im seriously considering getting an RO unit shortly as I want to breed corys in a separate tank.

Kotty

[DeLBoD]

You're water is a bit hard for Pl*co's, and the Phosphate level I would keep under 1 mg/L.

This wont have killed the fish but incorrect water parameters can leave the fish susceptible to illness.

[STINGRAY]

I notice you have a rt shark. Have you noticed this bothering the fish in the tank? It may have stressed your plec.

[Kotty]

Its very peaceful most times, can get a bit shirty during feeding time and chases anything within its close vacinity.

Never seen it harassing the plecs though.