What to do when you suspect your fish is sick? Do you instantly reach for a “multi-cure”? Does a “multi-cure” exist? Why isn’t there a “multi cure” for all animals and for humans? One of my colleagues likens “multi-cure” to Chinese medicine. Does it really work and does it really cure all ailments?
More often than not, as you seek advice from the net or if you call around different shops, you will find an abundance of conflicting information about what your fish is sick with and what to treat for. How do you discern? One of my colleagues says that their best advice would be to unplug your computer from the wall! He really dislikes “doctor Google”.
Without testing the water and without examining your fish, it would be impossible to tell. Many fish diseases are caused by bugs that are so small that you’d need a microscope to detect. So, anyone who can tell you what is wrong with your fish without having the necessary information and tools would be a genius, or is telling you fiction.
My advice would be…
First Line Stress Reduction
Increase salinity for freshwater fish by adding sodium chloride (rock salt, sea salt or aquarium salt) at 5g/L to reduce osmoregulatory stress (reduce salinity by 5ppt in marine fish by diluting seawater with freshwater).
For emergency oxygenation, use potassium permanganate at 2ppm or 3% peroxide at 0.25ml/L. This will also act as a mild disinfectant.
Add vitamin C to the water at 10mg/L to helps improve immune system and wound healing.
Then, call a fish veterinarian to investigate the reason why your fish is sick. With a proper diagnosis, you will know whether other fish are in danger of being infected and know what to treat you fish, tank or pond with.
