Francy Goldfish with Pop-eye.

Question
QUESTION: I believe the two goldfish with pop-eye got it when the water temperature went high and then dropped over night about a week ago.  I have finished one treatment of Maracyn.  Now, I will do a 50% water change, change filter parts in one filter, vacuum gravel, and start Maracyn Two, as the problem still exists.  My first Black Moor started with Columnaris. (still has some of it).  Then, I saw a second Black Moor with Pop-eye, in one eye only, and a fan-tail goldfish with pop-eye in both eyes.  Not real bad, yet.  I read where Maracyn Two is better for Pop-eye.  That is why I am switching.  I have a 50 gallon tank, with two- Aqua-Clear 70 filters and a good bubbler. (lots of bubbles). I also read that Epsom Salts helps Pop-eye.  I just gave the fish a 20 minute Epsom Salts dip. How often should I do this?  Or, is it O.K. to treat the entire 50 gallon tank?  My bottom feeders, cory catfish, pleco, and algae eaters are all O.K.  If I can put Epsom Salts in tank, how much and how often do I do this?  If only give the two fish 20 minute dips, how often?  The Black Moor's one eye is quite big.  The Fantails both eyes, are only sticking out a bit.  Once the Maracyn Two is completed, do I do a water change (how much) and rinse off filter parts?  Plus, put new Charcoal inserts in one of the filters? I read that Maracyn Two clouds the water - will the new charcoal get rid of this cloud?

ANSWER: Marian,

It is never good to treat any fish unless they are showing signs of illness or injury. I would give the salt baths twice a day for 5 days and see how they are then. Always follow the directions on the medication. It will tell you if you need to do water changes and when. Do not put the salt in the main tank. The charcoal will remove all the medication if it is in the main tank. The cloud will clear up.

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QUESTION: I already put Aquarium Salt in 50 gallon tank, plus Epsom Salts.  Also, Maracyn Two.  Do I still do the salt baths for 5 days?  Which salt are you talking about?  The Aquarium Salt or the Epsom Salts?  I removed the Charcoal, until Maracyn Two treatment is over.  I don't have a hospital tank, and can't afford to set up another tank with aquarium, filter, etc..  That's why I treated the 50 gallon tank.  How long does it take to repair the two Pop-eyed fishes eyes?

ANSWER: Marian,

So you have the main tank with all that salt? Your cory cats will not do well in there. They have a low tolerance for salt. Once you add salt to the water, you will only add more to the new water coming into the tank during water changes. Why do you have both aquarium salt and Epson salts in the water. You add aquarium salt to the tank and use Epson's when the fish are bloated to remove the excess fluid from their body. The time t takes to heal depends on the fish, how far the disease has gone and water conditions. You will not do the salt water baths now since that will be an overdose of salt for the fish. I would keep an eye on the cory's and if a problem arises you will have to remove them immediately.

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QUESTION: Hi, again!  It's 3 a.m., and I just vacuumed the gravel and took out three large buckets of water, to dilute the salt.  Now, I don't know if I should put Aquarium Salt in again or not.  Around 7 a.m., I will be putting in the Maracyn Two treatment, for my second day out of five days.  What should I do about the Aquarium Salt re: all fish, especially the Cory's?  And, thanks for telling me about all the Salt re: Cory Catfish, before I lost any.  I hope I still won't lose any of them.  I put the Epsom Salts in since I was told and also read on the Internet, that it helps remove the fluid behind the eyes of the fish with Pop-eye.  You stated it removes excess fluid from the fish's body.  Will the Maracyn Two cure the Pop-eye, plus the Columnaris that is on one Black Moor still, after 5 days of treating it with Maracyn?  (not Maracyn Two).

Answer
Marian,

I would not add any salt to the new water. This will dilute it a little. As for the medication, it does seem to help heal this but Maracyn two works a little better. Just make sure to follow the direction on the medication and never add more than it says too. Too much will harm the fish.