Need Help with my bala shark, blood on dorsal fin!

If anyone can help I would appreciate it.  I think my bala shark is sick.. He is acting normal, but seems to have blood on it'd dorsal fin.  At first it was just a dot, but now it almost covers the entire fin.  It is bright red.  I've tried to do some research to see what it can be , but I haven't had any luck.  Does anyone know what can be causing this to happen?

Thank you

 

Are the fins fraying? If so, it could be finrot. Please post Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and other tankmates.

 

No it doesn't seem like the fins are fraying..

 

It sounds like a bacterial condition which you could try and treat with maracyn I and maracyn II. These antibiotics will kill your good bacteria though, so just keep that in mind if you don't treat your fish in a hospital tank. Please post your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings along with ph if you can.

 

You need to treat him with melafix by apI AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Take out any carbon filters and use it for 7 to 10 days.
sounds like a type of ulcer. And it will not hurt your good bacteria or your other fish.

 

I started the melafix today. Hopefully this will help I appreciate everyone's input.

 

If your fish doesn't appear to be getting better in a few days, you may need something stronger to fight the infection and should try the maracyn I & II combination. I have also been told by a fishie friend whom I trust completely that melafix and pimafix should be used together for maximum benefit.

 

Do you have a test kit for Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates?

 

I have a kit for PH testing. I noticed that it starting on one of the lower fins as well. I've been reading that it may help if we frequently clean the water. How often do you think I can change the water? Should I try Tetracylin? I also know thta I should probably get a bigger tank. Very worried.

 

stellaelisa please get a water test kit and test and post your ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate readings. If these are out of range your fish will continue to get worse even with the meds, so please test. 1) Do a significant water change. water changes never hurt.
2) maracyn and Maracyn II are the best for infections which it sounds like you have and it sounds like its getting worse fast.
Carol

 

We will be changing the water everyday. I will get the ammonia water test today and I will post. I don't have a hospital tank so when I get the maracyn and maracyn II, will it harm my other fish ( 2 blue red columbians)?

I just woke up and I noticed a third fin. I hadn't purchased the maracyn when it was first suggested because the pet store did not recommend it, but I will get that today since it does seem to be getting worse. This is my first tank (had it since x-mas). When I purchased the tank and fish I followed all the instructions the associate at the pet store gave me and now I feel that I have been doing something wrong. After all the research that I have been doing recently I now know that I should have purchased a bigger tank. My tank is a 34 litre tank (I am in Australia). As soon as I test aminia and nitrate I will post them.

 

Stellaelisa if I calculated correctly your tank is about 8-1/2 Gallons. You are right in saying it is too small for the fish you have. I would have to say the problem is a water quality issue and the more water changes you can do the better. I am not familiar with red and blue columbians. What type fish are they? Here is some interesting reading.
Hang in there we will help you get this sorted out
Carol

 

I went to an aquarium shop today after consulting with the specialist on the phone this morning. He suggested that I bring in a sample of the water. I also took pictures of the shark. He said that the fish does not have fin rot. He said the shark looks very stressed, but not sick. He tested the water and he basically said that the ammonia level was really high. He went on to explain to me that the wtaer needed to be harder. My husband and I were cleaning the tank every 2 weeks. He went on to explain that the water here in Sydney is too soft (not enough carbonate hardness) and that we have to clean the tank once a week and he gave me KH-plus to add to the water each time we clean the water. Suggested that I clean the tank everyday for about a week. One thing that I do have to say is that the shark is still very active and has not lost his appetite.

I will keep you updated.

I forgot to add: Red Blue Columbians are Tetras. I am also going to purchase a 90 litre tank in a few weeks after I move. To see what a R/B Columbian look slike go to:

 

Here's another link to the Red Columbian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon colombianus):

 

I wanted to update you on my bala shark. Unfortunately my husband I woke up yesterday and I found him floating. I know Itried to do everything that I could and I appreciate your help. I have learned a lot through this site and will be coming back to visit.

Thank you all.

Stella
sydney, australia