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Ok. I have no idea whats happened. Things had been going well in my 30 gallon until i added some java fern. The tank had been stocked with 2 mbuna and 2 stinging cats and it had been cycled for 3 weeks. Then right after I added the fern, 2 days later and my female mbunas eyes have bulged slightly and her mouth looks cut up. Shes cut up all over her head and shes breathing pretty fast. Shes lost her apetite and is a little shy now. She still has all her colour. I think the eyes have to do with the fern but im not sure. The cuts I think was my male, i've noticed him biting at her sometimes. Any ideas?
Water parameters: ph:8.7 ammonia:0 nirite:0 nitrate:3 temperature: 78 f

ill try to upload pics soon.

The only possibility I can think of is that you imported a nasty when you put the java fern in. Is the Fern attached to any thing sharp. If so have a very close look and run your hands over every bit of it.

Keith

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I agree with Keithgh sort of... I think the java fern may have harbored a nasty bacteria or parasites. BUT, I also think that the male may have given the female a wound that the nasty through which could attack her by. You may have to separate the two until she recovers (just use a separator or fish box). Give a mild antibacterial to the whole tank, like Melafix. See how well it goes, if she gets worse you will have to move fast with stronger meds and a separate tank altogether.

TTFN --->Ta-Ta-For-Now
Kelly ;o}

im going out to get melafix tonight and hoping for the best. shes definetly looking better though

Your numbers are good but I'd still do a WC before doing the melafix. If you did bring something in with the java fern getting fresh water in will help a bit. Just be extra careful with matching the water temp, don't want to go stressing out your girl when she's already under a lot of stress.


^_^