Now I'm really worried!

Go to the University of Florida website and read for yourself on the
preferred treatment for columinaris (sp?) its potassium permanganate.
Thjis problem is perhaps the loargest problem any pond or fish keeper
or fish farmer is going to encounter in this part. And PP is the
approved preferred treatment in addition to antibiotic feeds.......

check it out at:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Look for the articles on:
Fungal Diseases of Fish (Fact Sheet VM97)
Use of PP to Control External Infections of Ornamental Fish (Fact
Sheet FA-37)
Columnaris Disease ( SRAC pub #479)
Potassium Permanganate in Fish Ponds (Fact Sheet FA-23)

Oh and nowhere doe sit mention any warnings as to Ph requirements, but
the use of MG does have warnings about PH as does other meds) Ph is
not much of a concern with PP)

Other than just visual signs have you scoped your fish to make a firm
diagnosis..........If your going by seat of the pants diagnosis, you
may well be in left field, but PP would still be applicable in most
all but say for Ick, where a copper of MG/F would be the best choice)

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Put some color in your cheeks...garden naked!