Dosing of Methylene Blue

[wong jim]

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I've kept two clownfish in my 10 g Q-tank since last Thursday. I noticed tonight that they rubbed their bodies against the plastic pipe occasionally. Should I worry? Can I dose the "MB" direct into the Q-tank? Awaiting your expert advices, please.

Best wishes,Jimmy WONG
from Hong Kong

 

[Anonymous]

methylene blue has no relevance to treating sw fish issues/diseases, for the most part

all clowns should be treated with formalin for possible brooklynella (a minimum of 5 drops/gallon in freshwater pH matched to the tank- airstone optional- until they just begin to 'keel over', then back into the tank-repeat daily if necessary

formalin is death to inverts, so make sure there's no live rock, etc, in the quarrantine tank

how are they rubbing the pipe? if it's more the belly/vent area, with an ocassional 'twitch/shudder' going on, it could be pair bonding behavior

if they aren't breathing heavily, or look 'dusty', or are sliming up, you can also leave them alone for further observation

 

[IslandCrow]

If you're planning on these being breeding clownfish, one word of caution about Formalin. As far as I know, there is no scientific proof, but there are a few experts who believe formalin may lead to sterility in clownfish (ref. Joyce Wilkerson's book on clownfish for one). Again, not scientific fact, but something to think about. I, personally, am not a big fan of medicating as a preventative measure, but I can certainly understand it. Brooklynella hits fast and hits hard, and by the time you're sure what it is, it can be too late.

As far as your fish, I don't think rubbing is usually a sign of Brook, but keep an eye on them for small white (or possibly black) spots. This would indicate either marine itch or the closely named, but only slightly related "black itch". A freshwater dip is one of the preferred methods for either of these parasite infections. Neither is generally lethal on a healthy fish (but should be treated none-the-less).