First of all, there is no way to be sure what your betta has is columnaris without having the lab work done (a scraping put under the scope). There are many illnesses that have similar symptoms and are often mistreated due to misdiagnosis. The internet is an evil place when it comes to fish illness & disease... too many self proclaimed experts online who have never even touched a microscope much less understand the ingredients in the medications they prescribe/suggest.
In order to help you I need answers to some questions and a clear photo of the fish if possible. Questions are as follows:
1. Is the fish still eating? If so, what foods, how much at a time, and how often?
2. Water parameters for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH (Please send me exact numbers for each test done with a liquid test kit. Readings from strip tests are almost always inaccurate which doesn't help anyone. Telling me that water parameters are "fine" or "within range" also doesn't help.)
3. What size tank is the fish in? Does it have tankmates? If so, what species, how many of each, and what sizes?
4. Is there a filter on this tank? If so, what is the make/model?
5. What is the water temperature?
6. Are there live plants in the tank?
7. How often are water changes done? How much water each time?
8. Are there any chemicals going into the tank water? (fertilizers, water conditioners, vitamin supplements, etc)
9. How long has this problem been going on? What are the symptoms/changes you have seen in the fish during this time?
10. Have you attempted to treat this problem with any medications? If so, what medications and when/how long was the treatment? Is there medication in there now? You mentioned salt, is this aquarium salt, marine salt, table salt? How much was used?
Once I have the answers to these questions then I will be able to help you. I will be checking in on my email throughout the day today, so should be able to reply quickly. If you can attach a clear photo of the betta (recent since it has been sick) that helps me more with diagnosis and means a quicker response in helping your fish.
Thanks for writing,
Dawn
Dawn
Dawn Moneyhan
Aquatics Specialist/Nutritionist
To learn more about me go to
http://www.helium.com/users/449334
--- On Sat, 2/5/11, satin.rabbits <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
From: satin.rabbits <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [tropical fish club] betta with columnaris
To: tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:25 AM
i've got a blue male betta with "the white saddle of death" aka columnaris
its progressing slowly but surely, not yet fuzzy, but bald patches. i have already added some salt to his tank (5 gallons, heated and filtered)
what medication should i use to treat this?
thanks!
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