Epsom Salt Bath Details

[smmetz]

One of my rainbow madagascar fish is bloated with scales starting to stick out a bit. I noticed it on Saturday. After searching the forums and the internet, I could not find much specific information about giving fish an epson salt bath. I wanted to know how much salt per gallon to add, and how long to keep the fish in the solution.

I ended up removing about 2.5 gallons from the tank, and adding almost a half cup of epsom salt to the water. I then put the fish in for about 15 minutes. I moved the fish to my hospital tank then, and started a 5 day course of antibiotics. (I had some Maracyn-TC in the house)

So far, the swelling has not gone down much, and the scales are still sticking out a little bit. I am not sure if I should be giving daily epsom salt baths, or if the one was enough.

I do realize that by the time the fish resembles a pine cone, the chances of survival are not great no matter what treatment is done. Oh well.

 

[WILDER]

Once scales stick out organ failure.
Good luck.
http/www.fishjunkies.com/Treatments/salt.php

 

[smmetz]

you know, I read over that article a couple times when I did my search, but now I glanced at it again, and see that it recommends a tablespoon of salt per gallon for a 5-10 minute treatment. I guess I overdid it a bit then with the concentration. Oh well, I'll just keep my eye on the fish, and perhaps give it another bath this evening or tomorrow.

 

[WILDER]

Good luck as once scales stick out they rarely make it.