Sluny

Hi,
I'm new to this site and still an aquarium novice...My 6yr old has a full grown -6"- comet goldfish that got stuck in a hollow log that his Pleco normally inhabits. One end is very large and he apparently swam in but couldn't get out the farther narrow end...I found him yesterday morning and helped him back out...several scales were loose and he'd gouged the top of his head (left a slight indented ridge) ...by last night on both of his side where he'd been rubbing to escape...the scales came off and there was a raised whitish patch I assumed was a skin layer. That has fallen off. Tonight I can see to what looks like pink flesh and one spot appears red. I plan on picking up a 10 gallon tank tomorrow to place the Pleco in -as he appears to be getting aggressive...and leave the goldfish in the larger tank - it's min 20gal. I would appreciate any advice you may have. Tank water is kept within 'normal' ph, etc...and I clean it twice a week. What can I do to help this fish heal? (and I have already turned the hollow log around so he can't repeat his mishap!)

Thanks, Sluny[/size][/font][/font]

COBettaCouple

Hey, Welcome to Fishlore.

He may have fungus or a bacterial infection from the damage. If you can post a pic, we could be more certain but I would recommend changing 25% of his tank water daily to help keep it extra clean and treat all the water with Prime and Fish Protector. If you can't find Fish Protector, it can be ordered online (www.thatpetplace.com) and you could use Stress Coat for now.

If you can find liquid vitamins like Vita-Chem and a garlic supplement like Garlic Guard, both would be good to add daily (1-2 drops) after a water change. Vita-Chem promotes faster healing and garlic guard is to help with preventing infection.

Triple Sulfa and Rid-Fungus would be good to pick up if you don't have them in stock. You might need to treat him with those if there is infection or fungus.

Sluny

COBetta,
Thanks so much for your reply...I am setting up to do my next water change this evening and will hopefully have a stable enough tank to separate the Pleco to this weekend. So far there appears to be nothing unusual with the gills and his wounds appear quite clean. There were no disease issues as I could tell prior to this happening 36hrs ago but I will continue to watch and have made a list of your suggested supplements to pick up. I really appreciate your time.
Sluny

COBettaCouple

Glad to help, please let us know how he does.

Of the products that I listed, only Triple Sulfa would be considered a med and harsh on a fish's system. The other products are safe for almost any fish or even inverts and can be added to the tank without putting stress on the fish.