The Puffer Forum

I'm in the process of trying to trim my 5+ yr old A. Modestus' teeth. I'm using MS-222 that I got from Pufferpunk. I apparently did not dose him properly because after almost 15 minutes he was breathing pretty strongly and would react to my touch (although he was mainly just sitting there in the dose container until I'd do something).

I used a one gallon water jug that I cut the top half off of for the dosing container. I filled it so there was about 1/3 gallon probably in there. I added, I would guess, about 1/12 teaspoon (I was using a 1/4 teaspoon to scoop), stirred well, and added Bak Mei, my Modestus. I covered the container with a towel and he seemed to relax right away, but he never seemed "out" to me. I added a minute pinch more after 10 mins (as advised here: http://thegab.org/Illness-and-Treatment ... e-oil.html)... it was maybe 1/32 teaspoon. After a few more mins, I didn't feel comfortable having him in any more so I put him in the recovery bucket and tried to trim his teeth.

Besides the fact that my net was not as well-suited for the job as I'd hoped... he recovered VERY quickly once in the recovery bucket. I did not have any time to get to his teeth.

Did I not dose enough? Did I not wait long enough?

How soon until I can try again? And can I use the same medicated water?

Thanks!

Additional question: is it safe to trim his teeth out of the water if he is still visibly breathing? I was trying not to...

Yes, that is what you were supposed to do! give him a couple days off & try again.

Ok, that's good to know. I think I need an extra set of hands and a bigger net next time.

It is getting really hard for him to eat so I'm so anxious to get his trimmed. I think he'll be okay for two more days, though... I don't usually feed him bloodworms, but I've been feeding him thawed bloodworms the past few days just because it seems easier for him to eat. He's now to the point he can't bite around stuff, he has to get it in around the sides of his teeth... ugh. I put this off for too long because I was afraid to use clove oil again (wish I'd found out about MS-222 sooner).

I think he's still eating enough to get by, though... it looks like he pooped a little in the dosing container. He doesn't look starved at all, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to tell on a Modestus.

Isn't 15 mins under a tad long?

The trim shouldn't take more than 5 min no?

MS-222 is very safe for long-term tranq, used for preforming surgeries on fish. This particular tranq can even be used for shipping fish.

Should I be expecting him to roll over on his side/back, his breathing very slow?

Should I try a larger dose next time?

Mine laid down on it's side.

Dinsdale wrote:Should I be expecting him to roll over on his side/back, his breathing very slow?

Should I try a larger dose next time?

PP may disagree with me, but IMO, no. If the fish is relaxed, and easy to handle, than I would say go for it. MS-222 does have lethal dosage depending on the body weight of the fish.

Granted, she has more experience than I do with this product. I just err on the conservative side because, I have read enough labels and know that each situation is different. Keep in mind it is a general sedative vs. a localized one. The fish doesn't have to be completely "out" to preform the trim IMO.

J-P is right. I've always just used the amount I showed you with 2 cups of water.