Antibiotics

[SunnyHouTX]

As some of you know, I've been recently dealing with health issues in my Tropheus Moliro colony, starting from parasite infestations to heavy aggression. As part of the fix to the parasite problem, I treated the entire colony first with copper sulfate, and then with a combination of Metro, Clout, PraziPro and Binox (later switched to ARG Nitrofurazone, basically the same thing). After a couple of weeks of this treatment, the colony has stabilized completely. To confirm this, I have one female holding and several more dropping their vents.

That's not what's at issue. Actually, what I have noticed more than anything is how thick these fish got. I mean, I've seen fat healthy trophs, but these guys really seem to respond to food a lot better than they used to. I had to hold back on feeding them during treatment so at the end of it they were rather slim. It's been a couple of weeks now since I stopped meds and they have really come around.

My question is, do you guys/gals think that the meds had something to do with how quickly they packed on the pounds grams? Especially as a result of using powerful antibiotics a la beef industry?

Not complaining by any means or intending to start a rumor/fad Just wondering out loud if any of you have noticed this type of reaction from your fish after treating with meds. And if so, what you attribute that to?

[barberking12]

you sure you didnt treat with steroids lol

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Antibiotics

Yeah positive

[barberking12]

Yeah positive

maybe with them being thicker you will get more fry out of them

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Antibiotics

That's gonna happen very soon

[Timber317]

Sunny, what has transpired is you have rid your fish of parasites that were using all the nutrition the fish were eating that were keeping the parasites alive. Now that they are gone the fish are using that nutrition themselves and are putting on weight because of this. Good job on finally curing your fish!

[SunnyHouTX]

Sunny, what has transpired is you have rid your fish of parasites that were using all the nutrition the fish were eating that were keeping the parasites alive. Now that they are gone the fish are using that nutrition themselves and are putting on weight because of this. Good job on finally curing your fish!

That does make a lot of sense now that you put it like that Thanks Tim. I had no idea parasites would retard growth that much, rather, I can't believe that ridding the fish of parasites has that much of an effect on growth. It is one of few times I was actually able to notice the growth of my own fish. What I mean is, when you see them every day, their growth is not that noticeable, but with these guys, I could see it happening.

[eklikewhoa]

Maybe it slowed down their metabolism so they are retaining the weight?

Either that or its just water weight LOL

[mnemenoi]

Great to hear Sunny!!! I am in agreement it was a side effect of the parasites and possibly stress. Now they sound like they are quite happy and beefing up...

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Antibiotics

Maybe it slowed down their metabolism so they are retaining the weight?

Either that or its just water weight LOL

IDK man, they are very active and their feeding response is amazing. Maybe it is water weight LOL.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Antibiotics

Great to hear Sunny!!! I am in agreement it was a side effect of the parasites and possibly stress. Now they sound like they are quite happy and beefing up...

I think so too. You have no idea how stressed out I was during all this and flushing a couple of dozen fish, not counting the WC Murago colony that probably started it all.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: Antibiotics

Forgot that I treated with copper sulfate before I used the meds I listed

[moganman]

Which colony are u referring to? The moliro?

[SunnyHouTX]

Yeah

Guess I left that out. Fixed

[New2petro]

How did you know what they had and witch meds to treat with. It was a great job on your part identifying the illness. How did you diagnose them.