Is it time to consider euthanasia?
Is it time to consider euthanasia?
I took my friend's 8 inch pinktail trigger a few weeks back and it's been in QT ever since. It's been lethargic with white spots since day one. My friend thinks he may have overmedicated his tank before passing it on to me. I've been trying to kick the ich, but nothing's working so far. The trigger eats a bit, but not nearly enough for its size. I'm starting to think it's time to consider the most humane option. I've read that using clove oil followed by vodka, or just multiple doses of clove oil, is the way to go. Any other ideas or experiences with this?
Re: Is it time to consider euthanasia?
To help you out, I got a few questions about the setup and care for your friend's trigger. What kind of frozen foods are you offering it, and how's the water quality in the QT tank?
Also, how long has the QT tank been running before you introduced the trigger? And what treatments have you tried so far to get rid of the ich? If you can provide some answers, I might be able to offer some advice.
Also, how long has the QT tank been running before you introduced the trigger? And what treatments have you tried so far to get rid of the ich? If you can provide some answers, I might be able to offer some advice.
Re: Is it time to consider euthanasia?
Sigh... these fish have a very high stamina. They can take a lot, and I doubt ich per se would be enough to kill them. Try feeding live crickets or mollies. Getting food in the fish will probably be enough to heal it. Try a freshwater bath, done by preparing fresh water with similar characteristics (e.g., similar pH, temp, hardness, etc) to the display tank's, then dipping the [fish] in for a few minutes. Seems to work in my experience, and I am convinced that it saved my sailfin tang's life a year ago. The tang's still kicking, too, in my cousin's tank.
Re: Is it time to consider euthanasia?
I think you should try a copper-based medication for the ich - it's usually pretty effective. Run it for two weeks to make sure you get rid of the white spots. Also, consider adding some decorations to your quarantine tank, like a plastic plant, to give the fish a place to hide and feel more secure.
Check your water quality, too - make sure there's no ammonia or nitrites in there. If the ich is gone, the fish will probably start eating again. If you do have to put the fish down, I've heard that Clove Oil can be used to put it to sleep, but you'll still need to dispatch it afterwards - either by hitting it on the head or freezing it. But let's try to treat it first, okay?
Check your water quality, too - make sure there's no ammonia or nitrites in there. If the ich is gone, the fish will probably start eating again. If you do have to put the fish down, I've heard that Clove Oil can be used to put it to sleep, but you'll still need to dispatch it afterwards - either by hitting it on the head or freezing it. But let's try to treat it first, okay?