My pleco isn't looking good.

[tiffanyjayne]

The tank i have is on a metal rack so i often look underneath to check on fish i can't seem to find and i noticed this fellow, i've since moved him to his own tank and began treating with melafix on the asumption it's a heater burn but i've since been told it may be an internal infection? it looks in shape like a pair of lungs and feels soft and slimey just like his normal tummy would feel, he didn't wriggle when i touched it so i imagen its not too painful for him but i'm worried he may of cooked himself inside. The only heater burn i'm come into contact with is my giraffe cat obviously a 2 foot catfish is easier to photograph then this little guy but his marks were white and fleshy looking, not like this at all.

 

[Lornek8]

Does look a lot like heater burn. Heater burn can vary in appearance depending upon how bad it is, with your giraffe it may not have been as bad or may have been in a different location. An internal bacterial infection wouldn't necesarily be as localized but would show up more overall and i'd expect to see a bit more generalized redness.

 

[tiffanyjayne]

Do you think melafix is enough to bring he right again?
Or am i fighting a losing battle?

 

[Lornek8]

Doesn't look so bad, especially if the area is relatively smooth.
This may help.
http://plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=738

 

[tiffanyjayne]

Thank you so much.

 

[D-MAC]

Doesn't look so bad, especially if the area is relatively smooth.
This may help.
http://plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=738

I remember when Ani posted that thread, It just goes to show how well the fixit twins work together.
One thing I would suggest tho is to try and make sure heater guards are used to protect the plecos from this kind of damage,assuming it is heater burn.
Sera heaters come with guards as standard and a 5 year warranty to boot.

 

[tiffanyjayne]

If you can point me in the direction of anywhere that sells heater guards i'll get right on it but other than 1 person on ebay i can't find any anywhere, ive tried the local shops and cannot find anyone that sells them, i've been looking for months because my giraffe keeps getting on the heater but with no success, i considered the stick on fake tree branch things but there so flimsy most of my plecs would be able to get into them.

I simply don't have the cash to replace 40+ heaters with ones that come with guards so i need to find somewhere that sells just the guards.

 

[D-MAC]

If you can point me in the direction of anywhere that sells heater guards i'll get right on it but other than 1 person on ebay i can't find any anywhere, ive tried the local shops and cannot find anyone that sells them, i've been looking for months because my giraffe keeps getting on the heater but with no success, i considered the stick on fake tree branch things but there so flimsy most of my plecs would be able to get into them.

I simply don't have the cash to replace 40+ heaters with ones that come with guards so i need to find somewhere that sells just the guards.

Just done a little digging around and found that Aqua One do them, but do not have any at the mo. They expect them in about three weeks time.
PM sent

 

[Big Den]

Have a look at these, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Algarde-heater-guard-_W0QQitemZ300502474409QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=218371001673&rvr_id=218371001673&cguid=e39f8eb01230a0e204e1d0c1fdafe614#ht_540wt_754

 

[tiffanyjayne]

That's the one i've seen but without a better image it looks flimsy and like it could melt, some of my tanks are at 29/30 so i'm worried about ordering them.

 

[Irene0100]

ebay

eg

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Heater-Guard-Interpet-extension-suckers-only-99p-NEW-/400202308172?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item5d2dea9a4c#ht_2609wt_1139

 

[Zebra Pleco]

Agree with Irene, all my heaters have those guards, very good hard plastic, definately not filmsy like the other ones shown. Even tanks without plecs in my house have these guards. Cheap too, come with suction cups etc and extends to fits most tradionational and large heaters

 

[Rey]

a guy who owns the lfs told me you can use pvc with drilled holes at the top for a heater guard. the drilled holes to let the heat escape. Hope your little guy heals up soon.

 

[ccole]

Hey there, just wanted to say my thoughts are with you even though I can't help. Go od luck to you and the little guy

 

[tiffanyjayne]

Thanks for everything guys, he's got a 'split' in his chest which i'm assuming the build up gunk is coming out from it but he seems to be healing up nicely.

Weve put in for 30 guards so most tanks will be covered.

 

[Jimmy]

There are couple more on ebay described as Heater protectors HERE and HERE that look quite solid.