Flame Angel Finrot?

[skeeter]

Recently my flame angel that i have had for about 9 months has been hiding and not eating. Also, I noticed that the skin around the front (spikey part) of his dorsal fin has eroded away from the bony skeleton of the fin. He is the only fish in the 20 gallon tank so that eliminates other fish causing him stress. Measurements are all at zero, pH is the same as always with 8.2, SG 1.024. The fish's behavior has also changed he seems to be gasping at times and isnt swimming as he usually does. I recognize that this is not a good situation, but any help would be appreciated. I had a hospital tank that I just took down (of course), so at this point i am not willing to take apart the whole tank to save the fish, but if there is anything I can do please help. I did a 20% water change today and plan on another tomarrow. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
PS, I am not a big fan of medicines, just natural stuff like garlic, THANKS
PPS, I can post pictures if that will help just ask if you need them THANKS

 

[j21kickster]

Sounds like lateral line disease. There is a product called Selcon i've never used it but have heard good things, also what are you feeding the fish. If you like natural methods try feeding more vegtable matter. Or soad dry seaweed in a liquid supplment containing vitimans A, C, D. Angels are prone to get this condition. This can come from malnutrition, excess carbon use, lack of vitamin c among other things.

 

[j21kickster]

correction- dry seaweed "soaked"

 

[beth]

Is the fin eroded, or is it the skin itself? What type of water circulation do you have in the tank, filtration, what else is in the tank, etc.? How do the finds look? Body color?