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Saltwater Aquarium Fish Disease Trouble Shooter

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com

Popeye, cloudy eyes, frayed and/or red fins and rapid gilling are frequently caused by bacterial infections. When the surface of gills, eyes and fins are damaged, either by abrasion or chemical (ammonia) burns, bacterial infections are usually the end result.

Caught in the early stages, if the damage to the fish is not too extensive, and treated promptly, recovery chances are pretty good.

Move the fish to a Quarantine Tank and treat with a gram negative antibiotic. If possible, feed the fish antibiotic treated food.

Perform a thorough tank cleaning, including vacuuming the substrate and a water change.

After a few days, you should be able to see improvement in the condition of the fish. When the fish is gilling normally and the eyes are clear and have returned to normal size, the fish may be returned to the main tank.

Bacterial Diseases - Identification & Treatment

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Stan & Debbie Hauter
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