Page 1 of 1

Swollen Eye - Help with Treatment

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 1:57 pm
by Winemanta
Experienced Reefer, but new to the brackish puffer world. I have a Figure 8 Puffer alone in a 14 gallon tank - plans to upgrade in the future, but so far he seems content and I have been able to maintain stable water parameters. He has been in that tank for around 6 months now and just recently developed an issue with his eye. I need some help with options for treating him...

What I have done already -
Discovered the issue a little over a week ago and completed a 50% water change upon discovery. Then, removed Chemi pure from filter and began treatment with Melafix. After 7 days of treatment, there is no improvement. It doesn't appear to be getting worse, but it isn't getting better either.

About his tank:

14 gallon tank - regular maintenance includes weekly water changes 20%, plus freshwater top off.
Artificial silk plants + Spider Wood
aragonite substrate
11-13 ppt salinity with Tropic Marin Pro Salt
Ammonia - Always 0
Nitrites - Always 0
Nitrates - Always Below 20

He is fed frozen bloodworms and pond snails regularly. Also fed 1/2 clam once a week. He is still actively eating - normal behavior - always hungry! LOL!

His behavior is normal and his eye is functioning (I don't know how, but it is).

There are no other habitants in the tank with him.

I completed a 50% water change this morning and stopped the melafix treatments because they weren't doing anything anyway. I'm wondering if someone might have a suggestion on what I can try next? Do I need to run carbon for a couple of days to remove the melafix before using your recommendation?

I have on hand-
Melafix
Pimafix
Ruby Rally Pro
Coopersafe
Kanaplex

Obviously, I can get whatever is recommended, just wanted to list what I have on hand.

Picture attached. I took the picture immediately following a water change, so there is some sand clouding up the water.

Re: Swollen Eye - Help with Treatment

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2023 10:38 am
by Pufferpunk
Poor guy! I would hazard a guess that it is bacterial. Do you know of a vet that could try to aspirate it?

Re: Swollen Eye - Help with Treatment

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2023 11:10 am
by Corvus
Probably popeye disease (exophthalmia). "When only one eye is affected, especially if this is only seen in one fish in the tank, the most likely cause of the problem is some type of physical injury." If it's infection related it's mostly both eyes.

Should heal on its own. Keep the water clean and add some vitamins to the food.