This is a continuation of the 'popeye' thread below, but I thought it might be better if i asked this question separately. Poor little Pip's tail is very short and ragged, and he's taken to hiding behind his plants a lot of the time, though he still eats eagerly and swims with his fins (what's left of them, poor thing) spread out. We think the current in his tank might be stressing him and that it might be easier to treat the tailrot in a bowl. However, Deirdre has a heater in the bowl, set for around 80F, and obviously a bowl would be much cooler. Is it advisable to switch him to one, and, if so, how would we do it to avoid shocking or chilling him?

His situation: Eclipse 6 with about 1/2 inch or so of black gravel, a couple little java ferns and some java moss. 3 or 4 silk and plastic plants, and a bristlenose plec called Luna Lovegood. Water parameters seem quite consistent every time we check; Ph 7.5, no ammonia, no nitrites, nitrates about 20. She does weekly water changes of about 25 %. Since we have started him on fungus eliminator about a week ago, we're doing 25 % every 4 days. He's due for another dose tomorrow, and doesn't seem to be liking the med - his eyes are better - clearer and not so swollen - but his tail isn't. We're stumped and worried, but I do know the jungle products may need to be redosed 3 or 4 times to have an impact. Any ideas?

OK - I have been battling fin rot for what seems an eternity. I have found the most success with the Maracyns (usually Maraycn & Maracyn II in combo). I have no idea how the plec would do with them (I don't have a plec) (I've tried triple sulfa, plain tetracycline, melafix, medicated food, JFC - all with no effect or a neg effect - I'm prob forgetting something but that's what I remember at this point)

I have also found that too much current can have a neg effect - have you looked into those small world filters?? I found that if I used one of those (they are small cartridges linked to an air hose) & then I clamp off part of the airhose - I get a decent current but not too much. My little guys also like whisper filters but I don't think you could rig that with an eclipse system.

I also have found that in the beginning - water changes were soooo important. I actually did water changes of 25% daily then every other day (& in some of my tanks have moved to twice per week but in some I am still at every other day) This is easier to do with the maracyns than the JFC becuse you dose daily with that. (I crush the pill & then split it into 5 doses - I called Mardel & that's what they told me to do for a 2 gal tank)

I think the heater is very important if you think there will be any fluctuations in temp.


Whatever you choose - Good Luck!!!! Jenn