White Stringy Poop on Discus-Only Symptom

[wbzorker]

Ammonia level = 0

Nitrites level = 0

Nitrates level = 0 to 5

Water hardness = PH 7.0

Specify other chemical levels that might be relevent =

Volume of tank = bare bottom

Size of tank = 46G

Filtration system =AQ 110

Temperature =82

Age of tank setup =2 years

Number and amount of water changes weekly =usually 2 to 3 at 50% each time using stored water that matches the PH and Temp.

Age of fish <if known> = Purchased as a juvie 8 months ago.

Any recent changes = Missed some water changes about 3 weeks ago due to family emergency. Then played catch-up with daily changes.

There are several discus in the tank and everyone is eating just fine. The effected fish is eating too but has had stringy white poop ever couple of days for about 2 weeks now. I assumed that the poop was caused by the missed water changes and that it would resolve on it's own with improved water quality. It doesn't seem to be happening though.

I usually don't use salt, but would this be a case to try it on or is a parasite more likely?

TIA,

[angelcakes]

this could be a sign of an internal parasite.......if so you would need some internal medication

[donvichu]

If the fish has slimey white or gray feces it is more likely to be a flagellate infestation and can be treated with metronidazole in the feed and/or in the water. Increasing the temperature to 90 to 94 degrees F. makes the drug more effective. At lower temperatures, higher doses are used. Doses at 400mg/10 gallons every 8 hours for 2 days can be used.

[Incredulous_Ed]

It sounds like your discus has an internal parasite. Feed New Life Spectrum Thera+a. It has garlic and in my experience rids of parasites pretty fast.

[donvichu]

Slimy white feces may also be caused by an internal worm called Capillaria.Garlic in the food has been shown to eliminate internal worms. Pipzine (piperazine citrate) mixed in the food at 1 capsule/1.5 oz food.

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All the best in treating your fish

[wbzorker]

Thanks, folks. I really appreciate your help. :-)