More stupid questions..

HI Everyone:

Based on all of your helpful responses, we started to treat Angel for finrot. She's still in her 10 gal tank, temp is 82 degrees, we removed the carbon filter, and we've been giving her Maracyn daily. I also gave her some frozen peas the other day (just in case). I gave her a piece that is smaller than her eye.

Stupid question #1: The water has become really cloudy. We're assuming it's due to the powdery medication. Do we keep the carbon filter out for the full five days that we treat with the medication?

#2: If Angel is constipated, how many days in a row should she be fed the pea treat? Should she only get it once a day for a couple of days? Should she get the pea treat a couple of times of day? When should she go back on her regular food?

I'm really worried about this fish. Her fins look better, but she is more lethargic than ever. She has actually been sitting on the bottom of the tank. Today there was a moment where she tilted onto her side on the bottom. My heart skipped a beat...then she slowly straightened & swam away.

I feel so depressed. I can't believe that this little fish is affecting me this much.

Wendy

 

First, I want to tell you that no question is stupid
Question 1. I don't know if you read the package fully and the pamphlet that came with it, but it say's in there that the medicine will be cloudy for the duration of the medicating. Yes, you do keep it out the whole time she is getting the medication, otherwise the carbon will wipe it out and it defeits the purpose.

Question 2. Is this the first time that she is getting a pea? Is she eating it? If she is not eating and you think she is constipated fast her for a day or 2. Then give her the frozen pea. I'm assuming you know how to prepare the pea since you already gave it to her. Give it to as her meal after her fast twice a day for 2 days then she could go back to her regular feeding schedule. After that you shouldn't have to fast her anymore because she will gobble them up.From then on you can give one to her 2 or 3 times a week as a TREAT not a meal.

Now I have a question for you regarding the med. How many gallons is your tank? How much of the med are you putting into the tank? I just want to make sure that you aren't overdosing it.

As long as she is eating that is a good sign. I know that Mr. Red has scared me a couple times the last coupe of days too doing the same thing and that is why I started treating him with maracyn 2 because I thought maybe it was due from his finrot coming back and was beginning to think it was bacterial. I hope thatAngel get's better soon and PLEASE Keep us posted on her condition. natalie

 

HI Natalie:

It is a ten gallon tank. The Maracyn box says add 1pkg per every 10 gallons, every 24 hours.

It was her first time getting a pea treat. She likes to eat out of my hand, so I just held the small piece for her & she gobbled it up. I only gave it to her the one day. I'll give her another treat today.

I wish I had a fish vet to take her to. ;D I would feel so much better if a doctor would look at her and say, "Oh, she definitely has _____. Just follow these directions and she'll be fine." Wishful thinking!!

Thanks for taking time to respond to my post. I haven't even told my friends that I'm depressed about this dopey fish...few people would be able to understand that they have a personality and become a part of your life.

Wendy

 

I've used Maracyn 1 and 2 on my fish several times. It's an excellent product! It has literally saved my fish's lives in a couple cases.
You will notice the water get VERY cloudy by the end of the treatment period. You might barely be able to see your fish and it makes the water smell! Don't worry about it. It may look ghastly to you but it doesn't bother the fish at all. Don't put carbon back in the filter until after the full 5 day treatment and after a large water change. You will need fresh activated carbon as the one you took out will no longer be any good. Carbon is really only useful for about 6 days after you put it in... You may need to do another water change a few days after the treatment to remove any remaining cloudiness. The carbon will take care of that awful smell...
As for the pea treatment. Give it to her again today and then fast her for one day. After that feed her the regular food but a little less than what you usually give. I give 3 pellets twice a day so when mine was constipated after the peas and one day fast I fed 2 pellets twice a day for two days just to give his system a rest.

 

Thanks for your reply. I gave her another pea treat today, I will fast her tomorrow.

NOW TO REALLY CONFUSE ME: My ammonia & nitrites are both testing at .25. Nitrates are at 0. I know I don't want to change water...I need the Maracyn in there. My water values have always been at 0. Her last Maracyn treatment will be Sunday. I'll change the water on Monday. Can she wait that long for the water to be changed with the ammonia & nitrites at those levels?

ARRGH...I'm so stressed out!!!!

 

Yes, she can wait. Those readings are not dangerously high yet. Just keep an eye on it. Natalie

 

Test your water every day. If it gets higher than that try doing a small water change to bring it down. It will dilute the meds but she should still be okay. Bettas who live in bowls and vases suffer much higher levels of ammonia than that every day! If you are worried, you could do a small water change (about 1 gallon) today and just continue the meds another half day. I've done that before and had no problems.

 

Some times medications will mess with your beneficial bacteria so this could be why your seeing the readings you are. She should be fine for the duration of the treatment just keep an eye on it and an Phloxface said if it gets higher you could do a small water change.
Carol