Not shure whats going on?

[kclinton]

Hi guy I have not been here in awayle. Cracker has fungus I'am treating him with salt baths. I have had him about 2 years. He was about 4 inches when I got him. I'am not really worried abut the fungus. He's just not acting like him self. Water levels are fine 0 . He is eating just not as much has he did before. He is on sand. To me he is acting like a really old man. I'am hoping that he's not giveing up cause he is old. Any ideas?

 

[digger]

lol
he is definately not old just matured.
it could be that just like when we are not well we dont feel like eating.
they do tend to be less active as they get older, tend to walk instead of swim.
i suppose thats why they are called walking fish. lol
i wouldnt worry to much as long as you are treating him he should be ok.

 

[kclinton]

In my head I kindy figured that is whats going on. I just had a really rough start with him. Also I just found out that my husband gave him some feeder gold fish last week when I was sick. He was tyring to be nice and take care of things. Could this of caused the problems?

 

[digger]

i really wouldnt like to say on that score have no experience with feeder fish im afraid.
all i know is the less active they become the less they need to eat.
mine eat 2/3 times a week.
have no idea how old they are though.
as long as he is eating something i woudnt worry to much.
sorry cant be of more help but im sure there are others on here who can.
good luck and i hope all is well soon.

 

[kclinton]

What do you guys think of putting the salt right into the tank? Like less than half the amount of salt. Leave it in for a couple of days than do a water change. I would think that it would be less stress for him. He is really starting to flip out when I try to scoop him out.

 

[digger]

no dont add it to the tank it will harm him.
better to keep him in a shallow container whilst under treatment,then just tip him into salt bath while you change water in container, once bath is complete replace him.
you could always keep himin the fridge if there is a problem controlling temp, just remember to keep water in there as well for baths and water changes.also cover him with some thing dark to stop light and warmth fluctuations.

 

[kclinton]

Ok I wont. Just so I know why? He is in a tank with 2 others should I start giving them salt bath as well just in case? Thanks for your help

 

[Daniel]

In my opinion you should not give them salt baths "just in case" - they should be given if necessary, meaning when they really have a fungus.

I have some experience giving axolotls long-term treatments with salt-baths but the concentration has to be much lower (1 teaspoon on 10 to 50 litres of water, depending on how long they should stay in this bath).

I would keep hin in clean water (quarantine-tank, container) and give him the normal salt-baths two times a day.

 

[kclinton]

Ok thanks for the tips. This is the first time I have had to deal with fungus.