Can Popeye be caused by poor water quality only or is just contributing factor?

[sugartooth]

I have just started hyposalinity treatment for some serious ick.
There were serious problems the two days after transfer due to high nitrates and alk/pH. This was an established QT tank, however it was running at full salt until I started Hypo.

The fish, a juvie imperator and baby porcupine puffer are in a 90 gallon QT.

I have done 3 separate 20% water changes to bring the nitrates and pH into acceptable ranges.

So now Nitrates=10-20 and pH= 8.0

However, the puffer got injured in one of the powerheads (on his side) and is red and swollen.

Another thing I noticed was severe cloudiness of eyes and 'Popeye' type bulging on both fish.

I realize there are a few things going on here, I put some Melafix into the water to try to combat the wound and cloudy eyes.

My questions are:
- Is this truly Popeye caused by bacteria or is the water quality the main culprit?

- Will Melafix be adequate enough as treatment?

- I'm not sure which I should concentrate on treating first. Which is the most critical? I thought it would be the eyes because they cannot see properly, etc.


Thanks in advance for your help. I really want to remedy this.

[andrewsmart]

i would get some antibiotics nitrofurizone or maracyn 2.

sounds like a bacterial infection.

[andrewsmart]

melafix will not do anything at all imo.

keeo up the water changes.

[sugartooth]

Thank you, I have some Nitrofurizone (Furan-2 right?)

Is it okay to put in with Melafix or do I huge water change and put meds in?
Thanks again.

[TerryB]

Remove melafix before adding another medication.

Terry B