Cotton Looking On Tail And Head

[Guest billg]

Hi,

I noticed today that one of my goldfish had a white, fluffy, cotton looking substance on one of her back fins. I tried to get some pictures, but don't think they turned out that well. Here are 2 pics. Any help on what this could be and how to treat would be greatly appreciated.

I have also thought for the past few days that the GF's heads seem to be a little cottony looking. I might be paranoid, but not sure. Basically, doesn't look smooth or glossy. The 2 GF I am saying this about are Ryukins. Here is a picture.

Tank seems good. Here are the numbers.

PH - 7.6

Nitrite - 0

Ammonia - 0 - 0.25

Thanks for any help or anything to put my mind at rest.

[Guest billg]

Looking at her now at a good angle, the white fluffy stuff comes out slightly on both side of her fin.

[Guest billg]

Anyone? I don't want to medicate if I don't have to and very confused on what to do before it spreads..if it will.

[JessicaandMarshall 2]

Hi!

Do you have some aquarium salt?

Is your tank just cycling? Does it always have .25 ammonia?

I would do a 25% water change right now, and add some salt! I would add 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons to begin with.

In 12 hours I would add another tablespoon per 5 gallons

and in another 12 hours another tablespoon per 5 gallons, for a grand total of 3 tablespoons per 5 gallons or 0.3% salt solution.

I find the 0.3% does not stress the fish, and does not wreck your cycle if you add it slowly, and it seems to get rid of most things ;o)

If you feel you can safely hold your fish, you could dab at the white on the fin with a cotton ball or q-tip with hydrogen peroxide. Make sure not to get any in the gills or eyes!

I think good water and salt will cure that bit of white right up

Make sure to dissolve the salt in some tank water before you add it in.

Good luck

Jessica

[Guest billg]

Thanks Jessica!!! Put my mind at rest.

I do have a Weather Loach in the tank. I have read mixed feeling on salt with Loaches.

Will the level you say to use be too much with a loach in the tank?

[JessicaandMarshall 2]

Right now, I have 0.3% (3 tablespoons per 5 gallons) in my tank with a Weather Loach, and he's just fine!

I was *really* nervous about putting the salt in with the Dojo. I just did the one tablespoon per 5 gallons to start and then increased it every 12 hours for a total of 3 tablespoons per 5 gallons.

And I kept an eye on him for a bit right after I added it.

If your loach starts rolling on his side, it's too much salt. Mine usually hides, so he was hard to watch. But I figured he would come flying out of his hidie hole if the salt was bothering him.

But I would not worry about 0.3% too much. I think he will be fine. A few other members here have had that much salt in with their dojo's as well, without any adverse effects.

To be honest, I am afraid to add anything more than 3 tbsp/5 gals with my dojo

Jessica

[Guest billg]

Thanks Jessica. Going to try that now. Wish us luck!!

[JessicaandMarshall 2]

Good Luck

Jessica