what is popeye?

[T/A]

I think my new Betta has popeye. One of his eyes is protruding out. Are there any other ways to tell if a fish has popeye. And what can I do to cure him of it. I have an antibiotic called BettaFix will that help? Would it do any harm if I put some in the tank even if my Betta didn't have any thing wrong with it.

[Iggy]

DISEASE: POPEYE

GENERAL INFO: If you always keep your betta’s water very clean, he will probably never get Popeye. Popeye is a bacterial infection caused by poor water condition (in other words filthy water because you were too darn lazy to get off the couch and attend to your betta!!!). On occasion, it happens to conscientious breeders, too )..

SYMPTOMS: One or both of Mr. Betta’s eyes start bulging out. In about 2 to 7 days the eye might look so grotesque you will be afraid to look at your betta. Casimodo on a bad day will look more attractive then your betta at that point!! Please do not destroy your betta! Bettas often have full recovery from it and look normal again, as if nothing had happened. During outbreak, betta may be less active, may stop eating.

TREATMENT: popeye is not fatal and often betta will fully recover. On occasion he may lose an eye. But if you catch it right away, he should be fine. Immediately do a full water change. Keep his water very clean, changing it every third day. After putting him in clean water, add the antibiotic Ampicilex (Aquatronics) to his water. This medication comes in capsules. A full capsule treats 10 gal of water. So for a 1/2 gallon of water, open the capsule and take the right proportion of powder and sprinkle on jar water. You may steer gently with a disposable plastic spoon. This is a white powder and will not affect the color of the water. Do not overmedicate! Once Betta’s eyes are back to normal, stop the medication. And keep his water clean from now on darn it!!

Source: http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm

[red belly pacus]

there is a disease data base in the myfishtank.net in the beginning when you first get on that will tell you about popeye and many other diseases hope this helps if you havent already been there.

[T/A]

I have already read up on a number of fish diseases including popeye. I was just hopping anyone that might have had this situation before could give some addvice. My main question is, if gone on treated what with happen? Will the fish die, lose the eye, or what?

[Papillon]

If your water parameters are perfect try this, use a salt solution of 0.3% it'll reduce the pressure on the fish.

[Iggy]

Do the full water change first, and repeat every 3 days as it says in the treatment post above. You can add some melafix if you like.

He will likely survive with just water changes, but still consider the anitbiotic in case it gets worse.