my cichlid fish

Question
QUESTION: Hello David, we desperately need your help.  Our cichlid fish has severe bulging eyes.  We have 2 cichlids, one adult male, and one young female.  We also have an algae eater in the 50 gallon tank.  Today we noticed our adult male has potruding eyes.  I mean they are literally bulging out of his head almost.  They seem like they have a white film too.  My husband takes very good care of them and the tank as well.  He seems to be acting normal, but it seems worse by the minute.  The younger female doesn't have anything wrong though.  Can you please help?  Thanks, Devon

ANSWER: Hello Devon:  You have described a syndrome called Pop-Eye and it is treatable with antibiotic that you can get from the fish store.  I would suggest General Cure or any other medication that lists Pop-Eye on its label except for Malafix and Primafix... Also check your water chemistry... pop-eye is a symptom of a bacterial infection usually... and it is related to water quality.  keep me posted... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dave: It seems the syndrome you told me about, Pop-Eye, is getting alot better.  It's now only one of his eyes, and he seems to be feeling better as well.  I was wondering about the set up of re-doing the whole tank though.  I've read that it's necessary to keep some of the bacteria from the "old" water though?  Im not exactly sure of the proper way to...well, start all over, I guess.  Would this be a good or bad idea?  Hopefully you received my response to answering my question about the Pop-Eye syndrome, because I was explaining that we bought a new pump, a ph testing kit, heater, and the medicine of course.  We figured we should treat them before doing any drastic changes. We just want to basically "start fresh" for them, purchase another tank, and have the knowledge to be able to do so.  However, we want to keep the 50 gallon tank we have, still be able to keep the 2 cichlids we  have in there, and buy a couple more cichlids for the new tank.  Or should we just get one male for our small female and put the two of them in the new tank to breed? We would just feel bad leaving Jr(our pop-eye fish) all by himself with only the algae eater.  Im so confused!!  Any suggestions? :)

Answer
I would not start the whole tank over ... the process will just stress the fish out and they may get sick again.  If you decide you want to start a brand new tank then I would keep the old tank as a hospital tank and go from there.   Breeding cichlids is a wonderful experience though... some breed like crazy.  They are very parental.... I might be able to point out a few you'd like to keep.  Cichlids are fine by them selves and if you socialize with him they can become like lap dogs.  Keep me posted.. dave