My fishtank is currently overstocked with platys due to their mad breeding. I had things under control but due to decorating I have been very busy with work and all. I let the tank go for longer than it should have been without doing any changes (about 10 days to 2 weeks) and its caused my fish problems. For the last 10 days I have been water changing at least every 3 days with prime and vacuuming any build up from the sand substrate. One of the platys had transparent poo and wasn't eating so I decided a treatment of esha hexamita initially for internal parasites. It didnt help so I was happy to rule that one out. Other fish were flicking so I knew something was up. One of my originals (clamped fins, loss of appetite) and another in particular (hanging at the surface all the time) were showing signs of illness as described. I decided that Esha Exit was worth a try for external bacteria/parasites. Its helped my original after a 3 day course and the other improved but has not got better and is struggling again. I have just started another course of Exit due to the limited success with the last course. However I have now spotted another fish briefly in distress behaving unusually and ignoring food. More like the darting around the tank symptom that apparently flukes cause. This is what made me decide to start another course of Exit.

A few weeks ago I decided to take the larger platys to the only fish shop that would take fish in but I'm not really happy doing this as their tanks are stocked with loads of fish and even though they probably have a global industrial filtration system that keeps the water clean I felt bad leaving them in such cramped and crowded conditions. I now feel trapped in a corner without anywhere to take the platys to a new home. My friend has a fish tank and have decided to take all the males (not many) to his tank as he has 2 males only already in his to halt any breeding. I'm basically having to hold out until the decorating is done and I can set up the 2nd hand 200ltr tank so then they would have plenty of room.

It hasn't gone out of hand yet as my experience is keeping things to a degree under control but still need advice on what treatment is needed for what could be flukes and anything else people can give me.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post..

A = 0 No2 = 0 No3 = 40ppm 25oC

Only a 60 ltr tank max :(

Hi

Given the symptoms and the fact they appeared when water quality was deteriorating and there was overcrowding I think they probably have an internal bacterial infection. There are a few meds that will treat this, but my personal favourite is eSHa 2000. Another good alternative often recommended is Waterlife Myxazin, but no personal experience of that as I've found eSHa meds very effective.

Both meds I got is made by Esha, the only one I don't have is esha 2000 I will order it first thing tomorrow. The fish that was darting around is now looking more comfortable and has appetite again although a couple of really deliberate flicks I saw so I know it has a definite problem.