I think my fish has a mouth fungus

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tropicalaquatics.co.uk/Melafix.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tropicalaquatics.co.uk/meds.htm&usg=__WDmW-KSViCtxSkAGZYx90ZjcAnI=&h=200&w=200&sz=41&hl=en&start=13&sig2=75-_oSqxcqcng6WgpBsqMA&um=1&tbnid=AQz7PRRK4FoPIM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=104&ei=OBi7Sc3KKYvuMoThxaMI&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmouth%2Bfungus%2Bfish%2Bmedicine%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

Long URL but thats the thing that did it! :) I swear by API. (the first med listed on the site-) I use their water test kits and medications- WHEN i have to medicate. I dont keep a planted tank so I dont know what it may do to the water but perhaps a salt regime will work? I usually try that for 2-3 days before going for meds. Also, 10-20% waterchanges daily will do a WORLD of good for the sick guy!

I know how you feel not wanting to return him.

Continue the meds you have. After that is done- change the water EVERYDAY 10-20%. Super clen water is often times just as good for them... depends on how far into the disease you think they are.

So- continue with what you have now. If that doesnt work do the wc's for 3-4 days. If that doesnt work get the melafix. Does that make sense?

Now- please remember that I cannot tell exactly what it is. But if it is fungus this should work. Even if it isnt Melafix and WATER CHANGES are a GREAT cure-all for sick fisheys!
 
What kind would you recommend Cerianthus? Could I use a different kind if I did a water change?
The instructions don't really mention how long it should take, it does say I can do another dose in 48 hours if needed. So I guess they are saying in some cases in will clear up in that time?
I would guess the fish is going to die if it doesn't clear up by then, fooey. This is not how I was hoping to start fish keeping :(
I will just to use Nitrofurazone as it will work on Columnaris. I am not too sure if it is Columnaris. Its has been so long since handling f/w fish, and with age(lol) little hazy (cant remember exactly what it is) at this point. Thus stick to one since already dosed and see if it works. I believe you have to perform water changes in b/n dosing.. Make sure carbons are out of filter!

BTW, what was test result of pH, NH3, NO2 prior medicating. Very imoprtant issue. I should have asked or mentioned before. Sorry about that!
 
Thanks so much for the advice everyone. Unfortunately the fish died last night. And I woke up this morning and every plant I bought for the aquarium except 1 had died, I assume from the medication or salt. I am pretty bummed right now, this is my first tank and I think I screwed up pretty bad. I tried to do what was right but I guess I wasn't prepared.
I will keep doing water changes and watch the remaining five fish. So far they all seem to be eating and look good.
Thanks again for the help guys, I really do appreciate it.
 
So sorry for your loss. :(
 
Sorry to hear:(

When you first start with tanks it all seems like it is just trial and error until you get everything down.

I would suggest to continue medicating for at least one more week just in case what ever was in the tank happened to spread to any other fish. If you have something else you can put your plants in to that usually works for me. I just plop them in a container by a window until the meds have been removed.
 
Thanks for the advice, I will certainly do that next time with the plants. I should have thought of that!
So far the remaining fish are doing well. The one other platy I was worried about still hides under the rocks sometimes but I have seen it swimming with the other four too, it seems to hide when I walk near the tank. Maybe it is afraid of me?
I will keep up the medication, and I have more plants coming soon. I guess it is easy to get discouraged, but this is still a lot of fun. And I am learning!
 
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