Sick Flowerhorn

[LBDave]

Just a question, 18grams per 1gallon of salt figures out to 2.98 pounds for 75 gallons. But 3 pounds of salt for 100g equals to 2.25 pounds for 75 gallons. I am confused because it’s different. So you said use max dose of salt so go by 18 grams instead of the 2.25 pounds? Is this added slowly or just dissolve and add in after water change and new dose Erythromiacin?

Some people say to add gradually in increments over a 24 hour period. I have done it slightly more aggressively (increments over 8 hours) for treating SA cichlids with ich. Dissolve the salt in treated water and add to the tank gradually/ increments.
Probably 2.25 - 2.5lbs should work. The salt is meant to relieve the osmotic pressure which is what we are trying to do.
Be advised that live plants can be impacted or die due to salt. Also, always suspend/ stop of using carbon in filter while using meds.

 

[MrsE88]

I’d keep him in the 75. The more clean water the better. A 20g for a 12” fish just wont keep the water as clean as he should have it right now.

 

[LBDave]

Some people say to add gradually in increments over a 24 hour period. I have done it slightly more aggressively (increments over 8 hours) for treating SA cichlids with ich. Dissolve the salt in treated water and add to the tank gradually/ increments.
Probably 2.25 - 2.5lbs should work. The salt is meant to relieve the osmotic pressure which is what we are trying to do.
Be advised that live plants can be impacted or die due to salt. Also, always suspend/ stop of using carbon in filter while using meds.

As far as the meds, dose as indicated on instructions ASAP. Don't wait for the salt. It's also important to get the salt going ASAP.

 

[Nikkijas]

As far as the meds, dose as indicated on instructions ASAP. Don't wait for the salt. It's also important to get the salt going ASAP.

Meds have been in since last night. No change. Water change and second dose of Erythromiacin plus salt after 3pm. Do I had the dissolved salt slow or at this point just put it in?

 

[Nikkijas]

Some people say to add gradually in increments over a 24 hour period. I have done it slightly more aggressively (increments over 8 hours) for treating SA cichlids with ich. Dissolve the salt in treated water and add to the tank gradually/ increments.
Probably 2.25 - 2.5lbs should work. The salt is meant to relieve the osmotic pressure which is what we are trying to do.
Be advised that live plants can be impacted or die due to salt. Also, always suspend/ stop of using carbon in filter while using meds.

No plants. No carbon in my filters. Decided to stop use years ago.

 

[LBDave]

No plants. No carbon in my filters. Decided to stop use years ago.

That's good. Don't forget you will need to add salt back in for any water removed for water changes. I think it's important to get the salt going fairly quickly. Just don't want to stress the fish by doing it all at once.

 

[Nikkijas]

That's good. Don't forget you will need to add salt back in for any water removed for water changes. I think it's important to get the salt going fairly quickly. Just don't want to stress the fish by doing it all at once.

So can you give me a suggestion on how fast to put it in. I feel this is a last ditch effort to save my boy. I just want to give him any shot I can. I don’t want to pour it all in and have him just go into shock and die. I know it doesn’t look good but I have to try.

 

[LBDave]

So can you give me a suggestion on how fast to put it in. I feel this is a last ditch effort to save my boy. I just want to give him any shot I can. I don’t want to pour it all in and have him just go into shock and die. I know it doesn’t look good but I have to try.

I know the feeling. When I treated for ich I wanted to get it solved quickly. It was a while back but I think I added about 70% of what is required in about a 3-4 hour period. I finished the dose the following morning. When adding the salt over this period of time, monitor the fish.
I have not treated pop eye. With ich I wanted to get the process going. The fish were otherwise ok and eating. Just getting covered with parasites and flashing. In your case we have a stressed fish that needs help right away. It's a balancing act.

 

[Nikkijas]

I know the feeling. When I treated for ich I wanted to get it solved quickly. It was a while back but I think I added about 70% of what is required in about a 3-4 hour period. I finished the dose the following morning. When adding the salt over this period of time, monitor the fish.
I have not treated pop eye. With ich I wanted to get the process going. The fish were otherwise ok and eating. Just getting covered with parasites and flashing. In your case we have a stressed fish that needs help right away. It's a balancing act.

I will go at that pace. Maybe half right off and then really slow until tomorrow. What should I watch for and what do I do if it happens? Quick water change to dilute? Thank you so much for your help. He is in pretty bad shape. He can’t close his mouth anymore.

This is probably a super dumb question, yes he got injured and this all happened at the same time but my brother in law gave him a small piece of store bought raw catfish could this be the cause? His water is always clean never missed a 50% water change in the 2 years I have owned him and water is always good. Nothing added to his tank. So I am completely confused at how this happened.

 

[LBDave]

I will go at that pace. Maybe half right off and then really slow until tomorrow. What should I watch for and what do I do if it happens? Quick water change to dilute? Thank you so much for your help. He is in pretty bad shape. He can’t close his mouth anymore.

This is probably a super dumb question, yes he got injured and this all happened at the same time but my brother in law gave him a small piece of store bought raw catfish could this be the cause? His water is always clean never missed a 50% water change in the 2 years I have owned him and water is always good. Nothing added to his tank. So I am completely confused at how this happened.

Hope you can save him!
No question is a dumb question. If you are asking me, the catfish should be ok, but not really a good food for fish. Lots of people use tilapia.
I myself stick to processed pellets, sticks and freeze dried foods.
Did the catfish have a bug in it? Who knows. Did the FH already start getting a disease before crashing around? Who knows. We all know that fish that are stressed are prone to disease.
But you bring up something that I have read about a lot. When "others" take care of your fish, they often die. Best if decide what your fish eat.