Help needed with BN plec

[Clarepulley]

So I will try my best to explain the problem. My BN plec Peds is 8 yrs old. No problems up until recently when he got finrot, managed to cure it finally with esha 2000. Fins slowly repaired which took a good couple of months. Then he gets a white cottony growth on his head. Esha didn't work again so am now using protozin and this doesn't seem to be working either. No improvement if anything I can possibly see another bit of fungus coming on. He is still eating and the water parameters are good. Ammonia and nitrite 0 - nitrate around 20-40.
I am considering a large water change and using another treatment any ideas will be much appreciated. I am on day 4 of protozin treatment so 1 more dose on day 6 if I carry on.
Thanks in advance

[fishmommie]

Sorry about your pleco. You've had him a long time.
Without seeing photos it's difficult to tell but it does sound like you're dealing with fungus.
20 - 40 nitrates are pretty high for a bottom dweller and if your BN pleco is like mine, he spends a lot of time on the bottom. I'd up the water changes to 50% every other day as water quality is the best thing for fungus, or good health in general. See if that doesn't help, and if he comes around, I'd make sure to do 50% water changes at least weekly and keep those nitrates around 10 if you can.
Good luck. I know these guys can live up to 20 years so I hope you can bring him around.

[talldutchie]

Agree! The nitrates are a problem

[Clarepulley]

Thanks guys I normally do 3x water changes a week normally around 10% a time then I do a slightly larger one at the end so it works out at about 50% in total, will def up them if you think that will help. Do you think I should do one ASAP as I am due to put the last dose of protozin in on Thursday, if I water change won't it remove most of the meds?

[fishmommie]

I would think a larger water change would be in order and I'd keep the frequency at 3 times a week until you get this cleared up.
I am not familiar with how protozin works - why don't you google it and see what they say about water changes. I would think that if you do the changes, you could redose at partial strength but do see what you can find out. Maybe someone else here know ....
Good luck!

[Knightia]

I'd be interested to know the tank size, other stock, and your filtration. Have you tested your tap water for nitrates?