Leah just the fact that it enlarged then ruptured leads me to believe it is bacterial in origin.
I agree that pristine water will help his immune system fight this. However, if you see any more redness around the lesion, or any redness anywhere else on his body I'd jump back on antibiotics ASAP.
As we all seem to be thinking now, there's something bacterial going on, so I decided to go one step further than just clean water. It's funny, because ksane mentioned earlier that Wet Web Media usually advises against Melafix-type products. And, like ksane, I too have my doubts about their effectiveness.
But, in my last email from Neale Monks, he said, and I quote: "This is one of those times tea-tree oil might be worth a shot."
Although, he followed that up by saying that I should have some stronger antibiotics on hand, just in case (which I do).
So, anyway, long story short, I went out and bought some Melafix and dosed the tank. At the very least, it won't hurt anything. And if it "speeds healing" like a lot of people say it does, then that's even better.
And Melody, I do have this garlic oil product with vitamins that you can add to fish food, so I'll mix up some of that tomorrow. Good idea.
I've been thinking, the poor barb is now missing one nostril. He must be having trouble smelling food. And, that pit is so deep, I wonder if it's not impairing the nerve that connects the other nostril to his little brain--I mean, maybe he can't smell at all. I hope not....
