Need advise quickly! Fishfish probably not going to make it.

[Naiad]

Fingers crossed for the little guy

 

[Humblefish]

Do you think it would keep a worse infection at bay until better meds can be found? If it is from the pistol there may not even be too severe an infection yet just pure trauma and swelling.

Friend of mine (who works at a Petco of course ) has been experimenting with Melafix for treating bacterial & fungal infections in freshwater fish. He's had some pretty amazing results. So, I've been giving the "tea tree oil product" another shot at saltwater fish. So far, the results are encouraging. I've successfully used it to reverse minor infections (usually seconday ich/velvet bacterial infections.) Haven't tried it on anything major yet though (something I would typically use Kanaplex + Metroplex + Furan-2 to treat.)

This old dog is always down to learn some new tricks.

 

[4FordFamily]

Friend of mine (who works at a Petco of course ) has been experimenting with Melafix for treating bacterial & fungal infections in freshwater fish. He's had some pretty amazing results. So, I've been giving the "tea tree oil product" another shot at saltwater fish. So far, the results are encouraging. I've successfully used it to reverse minor infections (usually seconday ich/velvet bacterial infections.) Haven't tried it on anything major yet though (something I would typically use Kanaplex + Metroplex + Furan-2 to treat.)

This old dog is always down to learn some new tricks.

What gets me is the amount of melafix needed to treat my tanks, even a 55. It would cost $100 to do a treatment as the bottle instructs! I can't help but wonder why they dilute it so much, it added credence to your original opinion that it's snake oil. Keep me posted though I'm always open to changing my mind!

 

[Humblefish]

What gets me is the amount of melafix needed to treat my tanks, even a 55. It would cost $100 to do a treatment as the bottle instructs! I can't help but wonder why they dilute it so much, it added credence to your original opinion that it's snake oil. Keep me posted though I'm always open to changing my mind!

Yeah, the daily dosing does get expensive. I've only been experimenting with it in a small QT - 10 gal.

Carl Strohmeyer did a nice objective write-up on Melafix here, listing the pros, cons, limitations, etc.: http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumMedication4.html#melafix

 

[Naiad]

I used it for betta fish. It was actually easier to use then other meds. How do you dose a five gallon when 1 spoonful is for 20 gallons? Measuring a quarter spoon gets tricky. It seemed to do ok if the problem wasn't serious. Of course it could have just been the fact that I went into tlc mode once I knew my fish was sick that did it.

 

[Humblefish]

How do you dose a five gallon when 1 spoonful is for 20 gallons? Measuring a quarter spoon gets tricky.

The bottle I'm using says 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 10 gallons of water. You would need to use 1/2 teaspoon for 5 gallons.

 

[Naiad]

The bottle I'm using says 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 10 gallons of water. You would need to use 1/2 teaspoon for 5 gallons.

Ment it was hard to dose things like kanaplex or the other antibiotics. Like furan 2 for example. 1 package for 10 gal. How do I know what is exactly half a package?

 

[Humblefish]

Ment it was hard to dose things like kanaplex or the other antibiotics. Like furan 2 for example. 1 package for 10 gal. How do I know what is exactly half a package?

Ah I gotcha now. What I do is pour the entire package into a tablespoon, and then into smaller units until I figure out the exact measurement. So I can better figure out how to divide it into 1/2, 1/4, etc.

You could also use a digital scale to weigh the medication and divide it up that way: http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-GEMINI-20-Portable-MilliGram/dp/B0012TDNAM

Seachem has even come out with a digital spoon scale : http://www.seachem.com/digital-spoon-scale.php

 

[Naiad]

Ah I gotcha now. What I do is pour the entire package into a tablespoon, and then into smaller units until I figure out the exact measurement. So I can better figure out how to divide it into 1/2, 1/4, etc.

Yep measuring half a teaspoon of liquid was definitely easier. If it didn't work I would break out the big guns but I rarely had too. The last few times I remember doing it that didn't work either anyway... some sort of wasting disease.

 

[Doob]

I agree! I just knew they used that goby pic for the headline. It would have taken forever to find the story again if not.

Back to the OP. I would get that guy fixed up. I do think he has a good chance. Then figure out what to do about a possible shrimp/ fish conflict.

Any ideas? I doubt that if/when I reintroduce him that he'll find a new home on his own. I know there are multiple entrances to his hole, not sure I know all of them though.

 

[Doob]

I'm sorry to report that he didn't make it. He was still with us this morning, I just got home from work and he's gone. And, strangely, eye is separated and on the bottom of the tank. [emoji17]

 

[Naiad]

I'm sorry to report that he didn't make it. He was still with us this morning, I just got home from work and he's gone. And, strangely, eye is separated and on the bottom of the tank. [emoji17]

I'm sorry to hear. Sounds like too much pressure from swelling built up. You did everything you could.

 

[melypr1985]

Sorry for your loss. You really did the best you could!

 

[Doob]

Thanks all. Hopefully it doesn't happen to any other residents.

How do you guys recommend sterilizing the heater and powerhead from the hospital tank?

 

[melypr1985]

Thanks all. Hopefully it doesn't happen to any other residents.

How do you guys recommend sterilizing the heater and powerhead from the hospital tank?

Wipe it down with vinegar and water then let dry completely before using them again.

 

[Bob Escher]

Wow I wish I could reach in and give some meds, I have all of those

 

[michellejy]

Poor little guy. I'm sorry for your loss.