Columnaris Disease

**julie3340** · 12-07-2011, 05:13 AM

So I got 2 new Cichlids...after a few days one of them started showing signs of what I thought was Ich. Put him in a quarantine tank and then the 2nd one started showing signs....put him in there too. The first one his lips were all cottony...then his fins, then his eyes...poor thing! Then i went out and came home and had a big blotch on his side. I searched and searched and came to the conclusion it was this....i immediately went to the LFS and got an antibiotic. Needless to say...i just check on him and he did not make it....I am crushed. I have the other one still in the quarantine tank. Tomorrow I am going to put more antibiotic in and then do a 50% water change. I am so afraid to put him back in my 60 gallon with my other 13 Cichlids....i do not want to wipe out my tank.

I have decided not to replace him (only had him less than 2 weeks)...I can't take the heartache of losing another one =(

Anyone else heard of this disease?

Thanks

**chevymaher** · 12-07-2011, 12:47 PM

No I had not heard of the disease.But I just lost a tiger barb to symptoms exactly like your describing.Poor thing battled it for a month.I used anti-biotic and Ick medicine.He got better and worse for 3 weeks.The last week I guess was to much.He got weaker and weaker. when my chichlids could catch him I moved him to another tank.He lasted 2 days in there and went to sleep as I told my son.First fish I have lost in years.We were sad.My young son ask were the fish went.I told him it was sleeping and went to see his mom and dad.

**Trillianne** · 12-07-2011, 05:13 PM

Columnaris is not terribly uncommon in the hobby. It is caused by a gram negative bacteria.

Antibiotics are not all built the same, because bacterias are not all built the same. Be sure you are treating with a medication that works against fram negative bacteria.

**chevymaher** · 12-08-2011, 12:32 AM

Thank you for that bit of information.I will ask for it at the pet store next time I am there.And keep it in stock with the other supplies.

**WaMiss** · 12-08-2011, 05:43 PM

From what I have read, Columnaris is highly contagious. Id keep a very close eye on your tank. Maybe stock up on appropriate meds. Were the 2 new fish quarantined when you brought them home? I quarantine EVERYTHING (including plants!) for 3-4 weeks before introducing to my main tanks.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-08-2011, 06:38 PM

Mardel Maracyn 2 is gram negative.

Maracyn and Maracyn 2 can be used together, as well.

Looks like this.

**Scrup** · 12-08-2011, 11:20 PM

I actually just used lower temps (around 72-74), malachite green, and salt. Cured it completely. After the initial loss of a few fish once the treatment was started there were no other losses.

**julie3340** · 12-09-2011, 12:42 AM

Unfortuantely I did not quarantine them when i brought them home. My 60 gallon seems to be fine but the other one that i put in the quarantine tank a few days ago seems to be going downhill. I have been using Triple Sulfa and Pima Fix.

I do have some Maroxy.....ugggh so frustrating...feel so bad=(

**Scrup** · 12-09-2011, 07:38 PM

I again suggest salt and malachite green. Easier on the fish too.

But if you want to keep dosing antibiotics, by all means.

**julie3340** · 12-10-2011, 03:45 AM

I think no matter what i did..it was to late. Lost the other one tonight! I am devastated. I will post pictures later...then someone might be able to tell me what the disease was =(