Angelfish help!

[graceful.04]

So I'm not sure if this should go in the diseases category or not because I'm not sure of exactly what it is, but my angelfish started to get red on some of his upper fin and a few small spots on his body close to the fin. I thought it was hemorrhagic septicemia so I treated him for that, but it did no good. I've heard that bad water conditions can do this to a fish but my water is fine. Could it possibly be due to not enough space? I really hope so because I'm moving him to a larger tank when I move all of my fish on friday...

[TheOldSalt]

Space? No. Filth associated with overcrowding? Likely.

[graceful.04]

Ok, I'm really hoping it's that then because he's getting a bigger tank as of friday.

[C. King]

How old is your angel? As they reach breeding age, and in the presence of a suitable female or rival male, I have seen some pretty amazing color displays, including a reddish blush along the upper back. The first time I saw it, I thought septicemia, panicked, searched for meds, until I realized it only happened when a certain other adult angel was in his territory. Don't think it was ever on the fin, though.

[graceful.04]

He's still pretty young... maybe seven months at most There is another angel in the tank though, but I think he's only about five months old so i don't think thats whats going on? I could be wrong though...

[C. King]

five months is old enough for some territorial behavior, and even some play breeding. Does he display strong coloration when the red appears, or is it always visible? If in doubt, I would get some meds. I don't like to medicate if not needed, but Septicemia is not something to treat lightly.

[graceful.04]

It's always Visible. I'm moving all of my fish on friday so after he gets all settled in I'll add some meds.

[C. King]

grace, if you think this is scepticemia, waiting till Fri. to treat is a bad idea. It is vital to treat Sept. immediately, because it can get into the organs, and then its just bye bye. Check water parameters first though-ammonia should be zero and ph in normal limits before treatment begins. A broad spectrum antibiotic is best.

[C. King]

The good news is, it responds well if treated early. oh, and be sure to increase oxygen while using antibiotics. Add an airstone, if you have one.

[graceful.04]

Thank you, I just don't understand because he's had slightly red fins and some spots for a while now... probably two weeks at least. I tried treating him for HS back when I first noticed it but nothing happened...

[lohachata]

i have had angels start breeding at 6-7 months old...could be something leading up to it...
you might want to try treating with metronidazole if you suspect septecemia...

[graceful.04]

right before I read this I actually just added API's Tetracycline. I'm hoping that will help... if things don't get better after I finish treatment, is it safe to put metronidazole in right after?

[Angelclown]

When you are treating, are you removing all carbon from your filter? Carbon will prevent the medicine from working correctly if it is not removed.

[graceful.04]

I've made sure to do that every time but now... i just checked and there wasn't any in the tank but thank you for the reminder!!

[emc7]

pics would be good. Some of the red-eyed angels also get spots near the the top of the bodies, sometimes brown, black or red. Red-lines in the fins, though are more likely disease.