Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

We just moved and so had to setup a new tank for our mata with minimal cycling of water. Now, two weeks later, one juvenile mata is getting fungus/bacterial (?) growth; white spots on his head and sores on the pads of his feet. This same mata appears to have one of the keels on his carapace flaking off. The other mata's head is showing a strange discoloration, but s/he doesn't have any sores.

I changed the water three days ago when I first spotted this. Since, I have been treating with Neosporin. This med pretty much cleared away the white spots on the one matas head, but didn't do much else.

pH is about 6 in the tank. Temperature is 80 degrees. I feed daily (smelt with Reptomin stuffed inside (twice weekly vitamins and minerals).

Any ideas/sugestions???

Thanks!!

This morning I checked them again, after applying the Neosporin last night, and they look the same. I also noticed that the one who was losing color had some skin flaking off the bottom of his neck. And the water smells horrible, putrid and rank, even though I just changed half of it three days ago.

What's the matter???

Before I left for work, I put in a few capsules of Neomyacin for fish ailments.

What else can/should I do? Do Matas handle aquarium salt well?

Thanks,

Becca

If you had to set up a new tank it might be going through its setup stage. I would test the water and see whats going on other than PH. I would check the ammonia and nitrites to see. I don't know how they will handle this but im sure that it could cause some of the problems you are having..

The water quality is good. I just got back from having it tested, and there is no ammonia or nitrites. The Neomyacin does seem to be helping. I'll go through the treatment cycle and let you know what happens.

Best, and Thanks,

Becca

The PH should be atleast 4.5-5 if not lower. If the water is rank and bad smelling there is to high a bacterial content in there. You need to buy a better filter. Figure a filter rated for 3 times the tank you are using and double that if you have 2 matas in there.

Matthew