Member

Posts: 11
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 05-11-2003 01:14 PM         

---

I researched popeye on the Internet. It said that my oscar could have gotten the bacteria from a feeder fish (the last she ate was on Tuesday, would it take this long to show up? 4 days?), or from bumping it or fighting(which could also be the problem with the deco in the tank- which I am removing today...I don't think it is from the other fish cuz they get along so well, truly), or from too much oxygen "gas bubble" (I turned off the oxygen pump just in case, but I doubt this is the reason). ANYWAY, I was going to move her to a hospital tank, but with her eye so swollen I am afraid I will rupture it. Any advice or suggestions on moving her?

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 05-12-2003 12:36 AM         

---

I'm sure the internet has more current information than I can give but I'll give the best advice I can. You need to find out if the bacteria is aerobic (thrives in oxygen) or anaerobic (thrives in the absence of oxygen). Considering past experience I would expect it to be aerobic bacteria. In any case I wouldn't completely cut off the oxygen, just reduce the flow. The easiest way to do this is to insert a multiple gang valve on the airline and slightly open one of the valves that does not go to the tank to bleed air off into the room. Clamping the airline could cause to much back pressure and possibly damage your air pump. Cutting the air off completely could cause your fish to starve for oxygen causing rapid breathing which causes gill damage. As far as moving the fish to a hospital tank, I would just leave him where he is and treat the tank he is in. Moving him could cause more damage to the eye. In my experience this disease is not very contageous. I've never seen another fish in the same tank come down with the disease, and medicating the tank he is in will not harm the other fish. Many people use light doses of fungus and parasite medications as a propholaxis (preventative). I have never been to fond of propholaxis due to the possibility of developing resistant strains of bacteria. Hope this helps.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 11
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 05-13-2003 11:20 PM         

---

Thanks. I have followed your suggestions, except, I had already moved her to a small tank. She doesn't seem to like being away from the others, though.

She isn't eating either.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)