fin problems

[holley]

Hi, my Nitrates were extremely high. I took the advice of this site and changed my filter to wet dry and I am continuing the weekly water changes, (things are slowly getting better).
However, now my yellow tang and my blue tang's fins look aweful, (rotting away) I added MelaFix to the water just today.
1 - Am I doing the right thing?
2 - Is this just a result of the stress from the high nitrates?
3 - Will it get better with time by itself or is the medication the right course?
4 - Is there a better medication to use?
I really like the support that this site provides!!!

 

[wamp]

Try this in the Disease and Treatment forum.
Might have better results there... I will move it there for you...

 

[holley]

Thanks Tery, sorry that I didn't include all information on the first posting. The tank size is 75gal, with about 75lbs of lr and 3" of dsb. I have been making 5gal water changes every week. Then when the nitrates went up I start changing 10 gals per week.
I just tested the water,
ph = 7.8
nitrite = 0ppm
ammonia = .35ppm (protein skimmer was not working but now it is)
nitrate = 60 ppm
With this additional information due you still feel that a large water change is necessary? Or should I stay the coarse and medicate?
<img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[holley]

one other thing is that the water I am now using is RO water.
Thanks

 

[tallyho]

sharks pls confirm if I am correct or not.
I believe you should do your water changes by including a cleaning of your tank bottom in order
to remove excess food and detrius.Your lfs should have the appropriate siphon.
rgds

 

[holley]

I am sorry but I am still a little confused.
Should I continue to montior the ammonia and if it is climbing then step up the amount of water changes?
Should I continue to monitor the ammonia level, and if they are decreasing then watch the nitrite levels and if they are stable then continue the course that I am on, (Just medicate)?
I will buffer the ph but you mentioned the alk level, is there a test kit you can buy for this? If so, what should it be at? <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[tallyho]

Alkalinty- I use "fasTesT" by Aquarium Systems.
The directions should be read and followed but
if the sample turns yellow at eight drops or less
you need to add buffer as per directions.
Anytime you are having problems please monitor
daily.Hopefully, you have water already at proper
ph, temperature, and salinity before you make your water change.I try to keep 20 gallons ready
at all times in case there is a problem.
Hopefully,someone more experienced can advise if
you should keep changing water more than once a week.I am thinking if your ammonia is going going
up, your tank is recycling and the water changes
may retard the cycle.
Good Luck and hope some of the "pros" jump in.
rgds

 

[tallyho]

Apparently, I was writing my response during Anthem's reply.As a shark, I defer to him and
I,also,would follow his idea to keep changing water to keep your fish alive.
regards

 

[viper2oo7]

I have a blue fiji damsel and it bites on the fins on my clown fish. What should i do? Thanks for your help.