Post by Tanya on Jul 26, 2003 0:58:58 GMT -5
Because freshwater fish don't actually drink much of their water, antibiotics added to the water for the treatment of internal infections may not be as effective as they could be if directly ingested by the fish. Medicated food might be a better option -- it is worth trying anyway, if water treatment with antibiotics is not working.
This recipe is suitable for omnivorous fish; ingredients may be varied to suit the normal diet of the fish. Medication may also be changed if tetracycline is not appropriate for the condition being treated.
To feed a sick betta, I would use a Betta flake for the flake food and maybe a high-quality freeze dried bloodworm for part of the spirulina.
Even if your fish rejects flake, it might accept this food as it is delivered in gelatine and may have a more acceptable texture.
Medicated Food
1 tablet Tetracycline tablets from Mardel Laboratories, ground to a fine powder
1 tsp freeze dried Daphnia (Hikari), finely ground
2 tablets Nutrifin Spirulina Tablets, ground fine
1/4 tsp finely ground flake food (about 1 tsp before grinding)
1 envelope Knox Gelatine for Recipes (unflavored)
1 cup dechlorinated water
Bring water to a boil, mix in gelatine until dissolved. Cool. Add all other ingredients and refrigerate until thickened. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the food through the gelatin and pour into a ziplok freezer bag. Lay flat and refrigerate until set. Store in freezer.
When needed, remove a portion from freezer and thaw in small amount the water from the fish bowl/tank, cut into bite-sized pieces or mash and feed slowly, according to the regular ration of food twice a day for the number of days recommended according to the directions on the medicine package. (Example: if the medicine is to be added to the water once per day for five days, feed the fish with the medicated food for five days)
Food sinks rapidly. Remove any uneaten food immediately. A betta can be fed from the wide end of a flat toothpick.
If you decide to try this, please let me know what results you get in terms of acceptability by the fish and effectiveness of the treatment.
This recipe is suitable for omnivorous fish; ingredients may be varied to suit the normal diet of the fish. Medication may also be changed if tetracycline is not appropriate for the condition being treated.
To feed a sick betta, I would use a Betta flake for the flake food and maybe a high-quality freeze dried bloodworm for part of the spirulina.
Even if your fish rejects flake, it might accept this food as it is delivered in gelatine and may have a more acceptable texture.
Medicated Food
1 tablet Tetracycline tablets from Mardel Laboratories, ground to a fine powder
1 tsp freeze dried Daphnia (Hikari), finely ground
2 tablets Nutrifin Spirulina Tablets, ground fine
1/4 tsp finely ground flake food (about 1 tsp before grinding)
1 envelope Knox Gelatine for Recipes (unflavored)
1 cup dechlorinated water
Bring water to a boil, mix in gelatine until dissolved. Cool. Add all other ingredients and refrigerate until thickened. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the food through the gelatin and pour into a ziplok freezer bag. Lay flat and refrigerate until set. Store in freezer.
When needed, remove a portion from freezer and thaw in small amount the water from the fish bowl/tank, cut into bite-sized pieces or mash and feed slowly, according to the regular ration of food twice a day for the number of days recommended according to the directions on the medicine package. (Example: if the medicine is to be added to the water once per day for five days, feed the fish with the medicated food for five days)
Food sinks rapidly. Remove any uneaten food immediately. A betta can be fed from the wide end of a flat toothpick.
If you decide to try this, please let me know what results you get in terms of acceptability by the fish and effectiveness of the treatment.
