Red, raw genatilia - I'm incredibly worried! HELP!

[SwimminSteve]

Sorry for dragging up an old thread, but I was wondering how Ghost is doing now. Did the infection clear up?
I also wanted to suggest some slight alterations to your tank set up. Good job lowering the temperature and removing the snails and guppies! Your tank looks very bright and open in the photo you posted. ACFs actually prefer a much darker, secure environment. I think you have live plants, so while you probably need to keep your light on, I would recommend adding some more hiding places. ACFs really like little aquarium decor caves/branches that offer shaded hideaways. I know that my frogs would stress without all their hideouts. You can even use a clay pot (turned on its side).
It would also be a good idea to add a background sticker/decal to the tank for added security. My frogs always seem to feel safer at the back of the tank for this reason, less exposure.

Cheers!

[CaitlinAnn]

Honestly, I'm kind of embarrassed to answer, but I thank you for your concern.

He was doing a lot better. His eye is still healing well, and he's swimming and eating well. He's also regained his "dirty hands" and has been mating with a female I added to the tank.

The problem is, I did not anticipate the bioload and did not do a water change when I should have. Last night I realized the ammonia was high so I did an emergency water and filter change. The disposable filter was done for..worse than I've ever seen one. So I'm not on very strict water changes and monitoring it closely. His hand is red and it appears to be an ammonia burn but he also has a black spot on his back that I can't figure out the cause of.


The first picture shows the black spot and the second the ammonia burn. It doesn't appear to be opening, or an ulceration so I'm wondering if its just thickened skin. He doesn't seem to have an issue with shedding, his weight, sex drive, swimming, and ability to eat are fine. I hand feed him and his tank mate.



This is the tank as of now. I've added another hiding spot, have been keeping the light off (for the most part), and added the black background/construction paper. I'm looking into more hides, just haven't accomplished it yet.

Since my emergency water change last night, they've both been looking better, but I'm keeping a close eye on them and about to check the ammonia again.

ETA: I notice the other two photos are still attached. I was going to use them before I got the other two. Hopefully they help.

[Felis]

Hello,

just keep a close eye on the frogs and the water quality. If the redness is indeed caused by the elevated ammonia readings, it should heal with better environmental conditions. I completely understand that there are tough phases in everyone´s lifes, but pets depend on their owners. As you obviously care a lot for your frogs´wellbeing, I´m sure that you won´t neglect the water care again (or better: misjudge the capacity of your tank/filter to handle bioload) and that they´ll be just fine again soon

[CaitlinAnn]

You are absolutely right and thank you for responding. I'm re-educating myself on what I thought I knew about water parameters, but I also want to share my results with you.

GH - 180
KH- 180
pH - 7.5
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate- 20

Ok, so I'm not clear on GH and KH or what they need to be, but I think they need to be reduced.

I know pH is fine (from what I've read) and that in established tanks Nitrite and Nitrate are exactly where they should be.

Also is it a bad idea to periodically add maintenance bacteria, just to help with the ammonia levels? I'm also using Easy Balance. Not because I think I won't stick to my schedule, but because I'm extremely paranoid about my params now and I like having the extra bit of comfort it gives me.

[Felis]

Hello,

are gH and KH in ppm? If yes, the readings are fine; ACF aren´t soft water animals (although they can handle a large range of hardness), so you don´t need to change it.

If your tank and filter are adequately sized and cycled, you don´t need to add baceria. Just stick with regular water changes and monitor the NH4 for the next few days. Is the NO3 in your tank higher than in your tap water? If yes, the cycling process works (NH4 is oxydated to NO2 and then to NO3) as there is no NO2 detectable.

[rodsboys]

99.9% of those bacteria products are absolute garbage. Don't fall for the hype. Established media and time are the best way to add bacteria.

[CaitlinAnn]

Thank you guys. I added driftwood to give more hides and attached the plants to it. It wasn't fully waterlogged enough so it is being only slightly weighed down. I'm hoping to attach more plants and java moss to it. Hopefully this will help with the chems and help them feel more comfortable as far as hiding places. I'm closely monitoring the water as well. I did a 50% water change last Wednesday night and considering doing another today.

[spotfin]

Are both frogs being affected or just the albino one?

[CaitlinAnn]

Just ghost. Zilla is fine.


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[Felis]

Hi!

How is Ghost doing? Any changes?

[CaitlinAnn]

Frogs are both doing well. The tank looks great and I am THRILLED. I realized my 20G whisper was not strong enough for two ACF's so I was able to get a new 40g whisper and its working great..I love it and the tank looks pristine and crystal clear. I think it will really help with the problems I've been having.

[CaitlinAnn]

Zilla and Ghost. Next goal will be to help decrease the water flow so it doesn't bother them, though Zilla doesn't seem to mind. Also fattening Ghost up a bit..he's lost some weight. Finally have nitrates and nitrites at 0! I finally feel like I can breathe and that they're doing ok.