Stubborn Popeye

[BlueTurtle25]

I'm at a loss with what to do about treating my betta's popeye. He developed it 3 or so months ago and it has just been stagnant or worsening. I have tried 1 course of Fritz Maracyn (Erythromycin) and 2 courses of Sea Chem Kanaplex (Kanamycin) in this time frame. As well as multiple water changes a week and a low dose of salt (1tbsp for 5 gallons) in his 10 gallon planted tank. I even tried a salt bath with 1 tbsp of salt per 1 gallon and it just made him stressed and it took him a while to begin acting normal again. Any suggestions on what else I could try? He's still eating and swims around, but his eye looks awful.

[Colu]

What are your water parameters can you take a picture of the sick fish @BlueTurtle25

[BlueTurtle25]

On 9/24/2023 at 4:21 AM, Colu said:

What are your water parameters can you take a picture of the sick fish @BlueTurtle25

Tanks size: 10 gallons

Heater and filter: yes and yes

tank temperature: 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Parameters: Ph 8.2, Gh 120ppm, Kh 240 ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate 15ppm, Ammonia 0ppm.

*Parameters were acquired using the API master test kit and taken a second time using the API 5 in 1 test strips.

Tank and fish are both around a year and a half old.

I perform 50% water changes weekly and clean sponge filter every 1-2 months. I refill the aquarium with well water. This water has been tested recently and contains no ammonia or nitrate.

Other than my betta fish there are two nerite snails.

I feed 5-7 pellets of Hikari Betta Bio gold daily and feed frozen bloodworms once or twice a week as a treat.

Pictures of fish and aquarium: https://imgur.com/a/siK0Qym

 

[Colu]

On 9/25/2023 at 3:05 AM, BlueTurtle25 said:

Tanks size: 10 gallons

Heater and filter: yes and yes

tank temperature: 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Parameters: Ph 8.2, Gh 120ppm, Kh 240 ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate 15ppm, Ammonia 0ppm.

*Parameters were acquired using the API master test kit and taken a second time using the API 5 in 1 test strips.

Tank and fish are both around a year and a half old.

I perform 50% water changes weekly and clean sponge filter every 1-2 months. I refill the aquarium with well water. This water has been tested recently and contains no ammonia or nitrate.

Other than my betta fish there are two nerite snails.

I feed 5-7 pellets of Hikari Betta Bio gold daily and feed frozen bloodworms once or twice a week as a treat.

Pictures of fish and aquarium: https://imgur.com/a/siK0Qym

 

Popeye usually caused by a bacterial infection when it effects both eye's when it's effecting one eye it more likely to be caused by an injury given the medication you have used and fact you you haven't seen any improvement would mean your more than likely dealing with an injury to the eye sometimes the damage can be permanent what I would do is is add Indian almond leaves as they have antibacterial and antifungal properties and leave a low dose of salt in the tank 1 table spoon for 5 gallons that will help reduce fluid buildup in the eye for two week 

[BlueTurtle25]

On 9/24/2023 at 7:19 PM, Colu said:

Popeye usually caused by a bacterial infection when it effects both eye's when it's effecting one eye it more likely to be caused by an injury given the medication you have used and fact you you haven't seen any improvement would mean your more than likely dealing with an injury to the eye sometimes the damage can be permanent what I would do is is add Indian almond leaves as they have antibacterial and antifungal properties and leave a low dose of salt in the tank 1 table spoon for 5 gallons that will help reduce fluid buildup in the eye for two week 

I added 2 table spoons of fritz aquarium salt last week. I did a 50% water change today so I will have to add another tablespoon. Would a higher concentration of salt help? I will go out tomorrow and buy some Indian almond leaves from Petco. I also wanted to add that I do have a lot of diatom algae (the brown dust algae) that I have to clean up with weekly water changes. Would this have anything to do with his Popeye? Thanks for your help!

[Colu]

On 9/25/2023 at 4:51 AM, BlueTurtle25 said:

I added 2 table spoons of fritz aquarium salt last week. I did a 50% water change today so I will have to add another tablespoon. Would a higher concentration of salt help? I will go out tomorrow and buy some Indian almond leaves from Petco. I also wanted to add that I do have a lot of diatom algae (the brown dust algae) that I have to clean up with weekly water changes. Would this have anything to do with his Popeye? Thanks for your help!

No algae has nothing to do with Popeye excess algae is usually caused by excess nutrients or two much light I keep my lights on for 8 HR a day I don't get algae problem I forgot to mention another cause of Popeye is a growth behind the eye this isn't as common as a bacterial infection or injury to the eye if you don't have live plants you can add a higher level of salt 1 table spoon for 2 gallons given the length of time Tue damage might be permanent 

Edited September 25, 2023 by Colu

[BlueTurtle25]

On 9/25/2023 at 3:41 AM, Colu said:

No algae has nothing to do with Popeye excess algae is usually caused by excess nutrients or two much light I keep my lights on for 8 HR a day I don't get algae problem I forgot to mention another cause of Popeye is a growth behind the eye this isn't as common as a bacterial infection or injury to the eye if you don't have live plants you can add a higher level of salt 1 table spoon for 2 gallons given the length of time Tue damage might be permanent 

I do have live plants so I will keep the salt concentration to 1 table spoon per 5 gallons. I ordered some Indian Almond leaves from aquarium co op today and am hoping to get them by the end of the week. Besides this, is there anything else I can do to help reduce the swelling and how often should I be do water changes while he is suffering from popeye?

[Colu]

On 9/26/2023 at 8:36 AM, BlueTurtle25 said:

I do have live plants so I will keep the salt concentration to 1 table spoon per 5 gallons. I ordered some Indian Almond leaves from aquarium co op today and am hoping to get them by the end of the week. Besides this, is there anything else I can do to help reduce the swelling and how often should I be do water changes while he is suffering from popeye?

Keeping good water parameters is essential to help him heal you don't want to water change to often when you add the Indian almond leaves  it will remove the benefial tannins I would just keep up testing and water change as needed 

[BlueTurtle25]

On 9/26/2023 at 3:24 AM, Colu said:

Keeping good water parameters is essential to help him heal you don't want to water change to often when you add the Indian almond leaves  it will remove the benefial tannins I would just keep up testing and water change as needed 

Anything I should look for while testing my water? I'll post an update in a week or so. Thanks!

[Colu]

You want zero ammonia and nitrite and nitrate of less than 25ppm  stable pH  @BlueTurtle25