hospital tank

[tmkx3]

Hi! I have a bala shark that is being nipped by a gourmi. His back fin is almost lost all of its black tips and he has scales missing around his head. Some times he floats with his head down. I only have a 30g tank. I know now that it is too small for a bala shark but he is little right now and I guess I will have to upgrade later if he ever gets full grown. ( newbie mistake #1) I have set-up a hospital tank in a 5g bucket. I put a heater in it, an aerator. 1 tbl.aquarium salt and half a teas. melaflix. Is this okay? I haven't moved the fish yet. Can I still use the bucket for water changes after I am finished. I looked into buying a real tank but I really can't afford to buy one right now. THanx for your help. Tinia

 

[tttnjfttt]

Yeah, that sounds fine. You may have a little too much salt in there, as it is usually 1 tbsp/5 gal, but i'm guessing at most you have 4 gal in the bucket. Make sure you try to cover the tank so he can't jump out.

Also, if you are lucky enough to have a whisper filter, take out the carbon, empty the pouch, and put the air stone in the bag. This will get some beneficial bacteria in the tank which will keep ammonia and ntirite from building up.

 

[tmkx3]

THanx I am gonna change the water every 3 days so I hope that will help with the ammonia and nitrites.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I would actually go for a partial water change every day, and make sure you test the levels, especially after a few days. Ammonia will build up somewhat quickly in a 5 gal bucket.

 

[tmkx3]

Okay thats what I will do. Should I leave him in the hospital until his tail grows back? The melalflix says to treat for a week. If I leave him in the tank for longer than what should I do as far as medicating him. I know that in its self is stressful

 

[tttnjfttt]

I wouldn't worry too much about what you are going to do in a week. Wait a week and see how he is doing. Also, be on the look out for more serious infections. Melafix is kinda like a liquid bandage, so he may need antibiotics if any sores become infected.

 

[tmkx3]

What type of antibotics? Should I give him some now? How long should I leave him in the hospital? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Don't worry about antibiotics yet. Your fish has been beat up and doesn't have an infected wound. Just keep your eye on him. Make sure he is eating and his water stays pristene.

I am not going to tell you how long to leave him in the hospital tank. I would say to put him in there until he is obviously on the mend (one week minimum), and until you have a new home for him, as the last one obviously won't work out.