On Jul 3, 4:20 am, wrote:
Hi, I have 2 Boesmani Rainbows in my community tank (with guppies,
mollies, platties and a gourami). I have had the Rainbows for about 4
months, and they seemed to have settled in fine, they eat and play and
have fun. I think they are adults (about 2"), not sure what gender,
they look identical. About 2 weeks ago, one of them suddenly had
turned dark purple brown to one side, from its head back to just past
its gills. It seemed to be happy enough, so I thought it might have
been a particular colour feature, like something to do with mating or
some other reaction to the environment. Now almost all of the brown is
gone, but it seems to be unhappy, motionless, staring into a corner,
not eating etc. It occasionally has a swim around, but I think it is
ill, and it could well have to do with the unexplained colouring. The
other rainbow seems just fine and unaffected. Anyone any idea what
might be going on here? Thanks!

First I would consider water parameters, as this is often the main
cause of these problems, and then followed by opportunistic
infections.

Please check these parameters:
*Ammonia- 0
*Nitrites- 0
*Nitrates- Under 40-50 ppm
*pH- Stable (a stable pH is more important than the actual number,
although anywhere from 6.5 to 8 has worked fine)
*GH- above 100 ppm (important for necessary electrolytes such as
calcium)
*KH- 50-80 (important for a stable pH)

Check your filtration for mulm build up.

Regular water changes of about 25-30% are very important (watch for
chlorine and especially chloramines when adding new water)

Finally if water parameters are corrected (or OK), consider an organic
treatment such as Pimafix or a electrolyte adjusting/preventative med
such as Medicated Wonder Shells. Stronger treatments such as Kanamycin
and/or Nitrofurazone may follow, HOWEVER, please check your parameters
and adjust these before jumping into meds.

Carl
http://aquarium-info.blogspot.com/