ammonia burn

[mleibowi]

Hi Guys,

I just received 2 discus from a reputable distributor. On one side of the fish, the discus is gasping and I can see the gills. I suspect ammonia burn. I reached out to the seller and he said to use bactocide 1 for 5 day. Not sure that will help given my high index of suspicion for ammonia burn. He also said to de-fluke if it's not better in 5 days.

What if anything can I do for ammonia burn?

Thanks all!
Mike

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Mike,

I would be tempted to add salt to aid with breathing and keep the water really clean. Try 2 tablespoons of salt for 10 gallons as a starting point.

Pat

[mleibowi]

Thanks Pat. Yep I've added salt and doing daily pretty much 100% water changes.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Pat. Yep I've added salt and doing daily pretty much 100% water changes.

Great to hear Mike Fresh clean water is the best
Pat

[jeep]

I agree. I'm not sure why bactocide would be recommended in this case other than people seem to be recommending it for anything and everything these days. Clean water and a little salt should help.

I would keep an eye on it though. An ammonia burn severe enough to burn a gill should affect more than just one. I'd think you'd see burnt fins and foggy eyes as well...

[mleibowi]

Hey Brian- the fins were a little shabby too. Eyes are ok