For salt, I have seen both 1% (I assume by weight) and 1 teaspoon per gallon suggested. What level is generally used for a full tank dosing?
Proper feeding and care of a Black Pacu
- Thread starter BobDinosaur
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For salt, I have seen both 1% (I assume by weight) and 1 teaspoon per gallon suggested. What level is generally used for a full tank dosing?
I'd go with a teaspoon per 5 gal...that's what I usually do I'm sure someone will have different amounts they use on here. You aren't treating a parasite/infection so you don't need to add high amounts, just helping him prevent anything secondary and it will also help him breathe easier.
Our pacu have vivid imaginations and freak out over imaginary predators. Only ramming into a tank wall, or slamming into a tank lid stops the freak out. Our poor Leonardo has a permanently smashed, deformed/missing upper lip, and he managed to slam into a tank lid that was ajar and tore off his lower lip. Fortunately, the lower lip regenerated, but the upper lip area is frequently ripped open and bleeding from another facel slam. I have a theory that they don't see the end of the tank and smash into the wall because they don't see it. We are putting side backgrounds in the new tank which hopefully will be a stop sign for them.
Ours always have scrapes and missing scales from slamming into the tank lids/openings.
Ours always have scrapes and missing scales from slamming into the tank lids/openings.
OP, do you have or can you get a picture of whats going on with the mouth of the fish?
Pacumom: That picture looks like something off of the walking dead.
I'm glad to hear that the lip healed. However, I have to say, I'm surprised that they still run into the tank walls. I know they were upgraded to a pretty nice size tank. I'd like to know how well adding the visible walls work out for you and I hope you start a thread to include us in the project. Pacu have always been a dream fish of mine. They are one of the original fish that really got me interested in the hobby and one day, when I have the space and the money, I'd like to grow some out myself.
Pacumom: That picture looks like something off of the walking dead.
I'm glad to hear that the lip healed. However, I have to say, I'm surprised that they still run into the tank walls. I know they were upgraded to a pretty nice size tank. I'd like to know how well adding the visible walls work out for you and I hope you start a thread to include us in the project. Pacu have always been a dream fish of mine. They are one of the original fish that really got me interested in the hobby and one day, when I have the space and the money, I'd like to grow some out myself.
Unfortunately, they are still in the small 300 gallon tank. My backgrounds are on the floor of my fish room, needing more work.
More recent picture.
He really does not hold still very well. There are several small wounds on the front of his head/face showing reddish inflammation around whitish dead tissue.
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
He really does not hold still very well. There are several small wounds on the front of his head/face showing reddish inflammation around whitish dead tissue.
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
I would just maintain excellent water parameters. Pacus are tough. Unfortunately, as soon as his injury heals (or maybe before), he will injure himself again. We run a UV sterilizer. For me, it's peace of mind knowing the UV sterilizer is dealing with pathogenic organisms. I don't worry about injuries anymore and never add salt to the water. Face injuries are from running into tank walls. Scrapes and missing scales are from slamming into tank lids/openings.
Long overdue update time!
Bubba is still healing, but I believe he is improving due to the salt levels in his aquarium (1g/gallon). Not high enough for anything but assisting osmotic regulation. The cut itself looks rather deep, possibly showing bone, but no signs of infection so far.
Bubba is still healing, but I believe he is improving due to the salt levels in his aquarium (1g/gallon). Not high enough for anything but assisting osmotic regulation. The cut itself looks rather deep, possibly showing bone, but no signs of infection so far.
