Fish Treatments

[htaehnodrog]

Hello, I have recently inherited a tropical tank which I am absolutely delighted with. There were about 6 fish in it and I have started to add more. One of my inherited fish, a Siamese Fighter has been looking poorly over the last two days with white marks under his mouth. He has been hiding away quite alot which is uncharacteristic.

I bought some Methylene Blue and worked out I needed to add 10 pipettes to the water for a correct dosage. I only added 2 as the water turned very blue and I was afraid if I added the rest, visability would be too poor.

Does anyone know about this stuff? Have I missed something? How long will it take for the water to clear? Apart from the dosage, I have followed the instructions and added it undiluted. Any advice would be appreciated!

Gordon in Penkridge

 

[SPLiSH]

Hi Gordon,

Your Betta (Siamese Fighter) sounds like it has fungus. Meth blue is a good treatment for this; you're on the right track.

Although, bettas often stress when kept with other fish, and as yours is ill it needs a quiet, stress-free place. Your betta will do best in a tank of it's own. 6 litres is a good starting point, but the bigger the better. They do not require a filter (in fact, they do better without one) but a heater is recommended if your water temperature drops below 25 degrees celcius.

I would not add another 8 pipettes, bettas can be sensitive... maybe add another two, and get yourself some aquarium salt. This is very different from table salt and can be bought from most pet/fish stores. Human table salt can kill fish. Add as reccommended on the package.

The water is meant to turn blue when using methelene. It might make it hard to see your fish, but it will help cure it.

Hope your fish recovers soon!

 

[htaehnodrog]

Thanks for the advice. I phoned the technical director of the company wh manufact Methylene Blue. His suggestions were not as good as yours! I have a spare 5 gall tank so I will try what you suggested.