Hi all! My big Tiger Oscar has a 1cm or so white oval lesion on 1 side of his body...and now today a a couple more fainter white lesions near the big one. I initially thought that he must have gouged himself on his log...but the fainter ones have me wondering what's up. I've put some malafix/pimafix in the water. His behaviour and appetite are normal. Main front fins are slightly tattered on the edges. Any input would be appreciated.

Have you got a pleco by any chance?

Okay, before we go anywhere, we need to know your water conditions. That would be ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. Fish can certainly develop ulcers, although I've never encountered it myself. If possible, can you please take a photograph so I can compare it to any photographs or literature I may have in my health book.

Here's a pic...and I do have a pleco. I'll get back to you on the water...

The pic didn't download...have to reduce the size, which will require my hubby's help...so ttyl.

as ofl said we need your water parameters but it sounds to me like high nitrites

I would suggest that you use photo bucket to add photos to the forum. Unfortunately I disabled the function where people can upload their photos onto my server, people were uploading massive files which does take up too much space.

The reason I asked you whether you had a pleco is because it has been known for them to suck on the sides of fish when they are asleep. When they do this, they remove the slime coat which can cause ulcers. Obviously I couldn't say for sure whether this is what is happening. This is why I would like to see a photograph. Have you got any other fish apart from a pleco ? If so, how are they behaving?

If you don't know how to use photo bucket, please do tell us and we will give you instructions

looks like my parameters are good: Nitrite-0.1
Nitrate-5
Amonia-0-.1
PH- 7.6
did you get the pic I e-mailed? and why did you ask about the pleco?

just got your other message...so disregard the pleco question. please give me the photo bucket instructions. I also have a severum in the tank and a silver dollar...and i think a chocolate catfish (he hides almost all the time)...severum looks perfect but the dollar has had a raggedy looking mouth and fin for a long time...can't seem to cure him, but he eats fine.

Heather36 wrote:


I am afraid not. Ammonia and nitrite must be Zero and no higher



Read my previous post

Like OFL said, its very inportant to have your water correct, how long have you had your tank up and running and did you do a full cycle before putting your fish in?
this could be the cause to alot of your problems,
they must be 0, anything higher and you run the risk of damaging your fish.

Could you please tell us how big your tank is and what sort filtration you are using?

Here is a link to a tutorial on how to use photo bucket. You will probably notice that lay out a slightly different to the tutorial, it has changed slightly since I made the tutorial. However, you shouldn't have any problems for lying it. Any problems, don't hesitate to ask for help.

http://www.wheelchairanglingandhamradio.co.uk/photobucket.htm

Here is a pic