TREATMENTS
On finding a fish or invertebrate that is obviously not well the first thing to
do is remove it to
an isolation unit with the same parameters as its host tank,
and observe very carefully
making a written note of any abnormality, sign or
sympton that you can detect. This list can
assist in making a diagnosis if you
need to call in a fishy friend.
The main item is to run a check on the home tank parameters to unmask any
possible
discrepancy, check pH. temperature, SG. ammonia, nitrate and nitrite
levels. Fish have
like all animals a natural immunity to most diseases assuming
that good diet with added
trace elements and vitamins have been provided.
COPPER TREATMENT
Copper must NEVER be used in or near invertebrates as it is gighly poisonous to
them. Even
traces can be found in a fish that has been so treated which is why
after a treatment regime
at least 7 full days clear are required, see below.
Fish are placed in an isolation tank/bath
in water consistent with the home
tank and to which Copper sulphate has been added at the
dosage of 0.15ppm, for
a period of 14 days. If treatment is successful then the fish is given
a
further 7 days in clean water to get rid of any residual copper, particularly
important if it
belongs in a reef tank. The dose of 0.15 to 0.3ppm seems to be
quite effective against
Oodinum ocellatum.
Note that copper will bind to carbonates such as coral rocks and will be
released back into
the water if a drop in pH occurs. Treatment baths are best
minus such decor although a
piece of plastic tubing will ensure the fish can
hide if it so desires.
FORMALIN
A stock solution of 1% of formalin to 2 cubic centimeters of water is the basis
of this bath.
The bath can be up to twenty minuites and is used for the
treatment of monogenic flukes.
Note that formalin is toxic to nitrifying
bacteria.
ACRIFLAVINE
A solution of which is easily obtainbed from your local chemist shop and is a
commonly
used antiseptic for treating cuts and wounds. ideal for the treatment
of wounds and skin
conditions on fish.
METHYLENE BLUE
Widely used in aquaria for its antiseptic properties it abosrobs light energy
and transforms it
into Oxygen and oxidises micro organisms therefore will harm
nitrofying bacteria.
MALACHITE GREEN
Claims have been made that it is effective against Cryptocaryon at one
treatment per day
for 3 to 4 days. A 0.75% solution at 2 drops per gallon is
THOUGHT to be non-toxic to
invertebrates.
ANAETHESIA
Fish can be anaethitised but this procedure is best left to an experienced
keeper. Although
your own vet will have his own ideas it is likely he will use
'tricaine methane-sulphate'
according to manufacturers instructions. A 1 to
1,000ppm will anaethitise a fish in a few
minutes the solution being discharged
directly into the gill cavity of mouth.
EXPERT EXAMINATION
Several universities are only too pleased to assist the identification of
possible fish
disorders and if may assist you. Telephone them first, place the
fish in a plastic bag or ridgid
container, packed with ice and arrange
delivery. Some may make a small charge for this but
this is outweighed by
peace of mind.
UNTREATABLE CONDITIONS
If the fish fails to respond or is in such a distressed condition then it must
be disposed of.
Don't kill a fish simply because it has outgrown your
particular set up. It has most likely
given you years of pleasure and you owe
it something in return. if your local club cannot
find a new owner then try
the local aquarium or zoo.
The most humane way to kill a fish is to make a quick, deep cut just behind the
head and
if you are squeamish about this then anaethitise the fish first.
DO NOT flush it down the toilet as the disease may well pass onto fish in the
natural
environment.
