clown has swollen eye.

That looks like Eye Pop from everything I've seen of it but it's a bullet I've so far been able to dodge. Hang in there. As I'm sure you know, all the smart people monitor this section of the forum in particular, expect them any minute now.

m on my phone, so I can't look up all my notes on diagnosis and treatment, but Popeye is usually caused by flukes or an infection. There are a couple viruses and bacteria that can cause it.

If I remember correctly, you should start with a freshwater dip to remove any potential flukes...then treat with an antibiotic. If it's a virus, it'll clear up on its own.

Generally if it's limited to one eye it is due to an infection of an injury. For example, if the fish got a scratch on that eye, often times pop eye will result from an infection of that scratch.

To freshwater dip you will need to get some RO/DI water warmed up to the same temperature as the tank the fish is currently in, and use some kind of ph buffer to match the ph was well. You may want to add an airstone for extra oxygenation and water movement. Put the fish in for about 5 minutes (Nikki can tell you the exact timing to use) then put it into a quarantine tank. If you want to (I usually do), you can add some methylene blue to the dip. If you do this you should definitely use an airstone because the methylene blue will somewhat inhibit the fish's ability to breath (filter oxygen from the water). It's not to an extent that it will kill the fish (usually) but it is always a good idea to run an airstone to prevent further injury or stress. I'd have to check my notes to find the exact dosage of methylene blue, although I'm sure Nikki can tell you as well seeing as I got my information from her.

I have dealt with pop eye once before in a Moorish Idol. The fish actually contracted it while in copper quarantine with other fish. I suspect he was injured by another fish in quarantine. I did a freshwater dip and put him back in the quarantine. It took about 2 weeks, but the pop eye did go away without any further treatment.

Also, if you do decide to freshwater dip fish, keep in mind that many will play dead when placed in fresh water. Tangs are especially good at it. I dipped my Powder Blue and almost screamed because of how dead he looked. Just minutes after being placed back into the saltwater he was swimming around and seemed happy, as if nothing had ever happened.

Edited by Ann_A - September 24 2013 at 2:42pm

I use tap water (seriously...it's with good reason) for my fresh water dips. It has a pH closer to NSW than ro/di, so you won't need to adjust it much. Just add the typical dechlorinator stuff, an airstone, etc. I make the water 3 degrees warmer than the tank water because the water will cool during the dip. I dose methylene blue at 0.4ml per gallon water, but follow the manf. directions. I dip for only 5 minutes unless I suspect something that needs a longer treatment.

Yes, an injury can initiate pop eye, bit there is usually an underlying infection. You can let this play out...but as someone who had a fish missing an eyeball, I don't recommend it.

My instructions on how to freshwater dip fish:

http://www.reefdup.com/2013/08/24/how-to-freshwater-dip-fish/

is there any place local that has the methylene blue? reefdup do you really have a fish that is missing an eye?

I was wondering is there a difference between Melafix marine and a freshwater dip with methylene blue?

As far as the difference in effectiveness between the two, I doubt anyone can say. Nikki has had more experience with doctoring fish than almost anyone I know so I would follow her recommendations.

I have seen fish with Pop-Eye live long lives both with and without the eye, but sometimes the fish passes on to the great eternal reef.

Aloha,
Mark

I am wondering, if a fish gets popeye and I heal it, will it reoccur? 

I am going with Maracyn2 for treatment. because I couldn't find the Methylene blue quick enough. If I do the freswater dip is it still ok for 5 minutes?