Pop Eye

Question
Hi!  We have a 29 gallon bio cube (which seems to be going through filters quickly - any suggestions?) and it's been established for several months now.  We have a miniatus grouper that was the first fish we put in, and he's always been doing fine.  Just yesterday we noticed that he has pop eye in one of his eyes.  We have no idea what could've caused it.  We've tested the waters and everything seems to be ok.  The only thing I can think of is that we recently got a brittle star and it seems to have settled in the cave the grouper likes.  Could the brittle star have caused this?  Any suggestions on how to treat?  Our humu trigger and spotted hawkfish are also in the tank and are fine.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kalyn,

I too really like the 29 Gallon Oceanic BioCubes, however the minimum recommended tank size for the miniatus grouper is 125 gallons.

The minimum recommended tank size for the Humu Trigger is 70 gallons.

The minimum recommend tank size for the Spotted Hawkfish is 30 gallons, so you're okay with the Oceanic 29 Gallon for this one.

If I had to take an educated guess, the Pop Eye of the Miniatus Grouper was caused from an injury to the fish, possibly from the overcrowding in the aquarium. It can be attributed to a scratch to the eye from fighting with other fish and from other scrapes to the eye like fish net abrasions from transferring the fish.

In most minor cases the injury will heal in time as the condition is allowed to run its course. To help aid in the continued health and healing of the fish during the course of this condition, oral feedings of foods soaked in selcon will help.

Good luck with all your Saltwater Fish Endeavors.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

http://ocreef.com - Director