Whats best for damaged/lost scales?

[Steve]

Just noticed a couple of my Mbuna with some missing/hanging scales, most likely from the OB whom can be a bit aggressive at times. What's the best thing for that just to make sure they heal up properly, stress coat? or is there anything else that is better ?

[TrailerParkFishTanks]

Stress coats is always good and you could add some aquari salt as well to minimize risk of infection.

[Steve]

About how much salt Wayne?

[Sean]

I've always used melafix for that if I have it on hand, if not just Kosher Salt

[four_by_ken]

In my more aggressive tank, this happens often... they always heal up fine in a couple days without anything added.

[TrailerParkFishTanks]

I'd do about a tablespoon per 5g or so. A little more or a little less won't hurt anything.

[Steve]

Thanks. I'll wait a day or two and see if they look like they start to heal like Ken said, if not then I'll add a bit of salt. They aren't bad by any means right now, just want to avoid any infection or anything like that though.

[atmagoulick]

I like this product from api.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R5M5CC/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The guy from Pet Connection referred me.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

In my more aggressive tank, this happens often... they always heal up fine in a couple days without anything added.

No Water Tests, no additives, no salt - guez you must be a "Tough Luv" guy !  Do you send your kids out without gloves and boots too !   

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Stress coats is always good and you could add some aquari salt as well to minimize risk of infection.

Steve - Actually a little (amount that Trailer recommended) salt is OK for Africans, everything I have read from outside articles and read in the MCA says a little salt is recommended...

I've noticed fish heal up much quicker with using a little salt...

Just remember, the salt does not naturally dissipate out of the tank, you only reduce it by doing water changes..

[four_by_ken]

I have become a huge advocate of not adding anything to the water that isnt needed.

Once you start adding things to the water, the fish need to acclimate to it.  Then after a water change, they need to acclimate again to it, etc.

If it isnt broke... dont fix it.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I have become a huge advocate of not adding anything to the water that isnt needed.

Once you start adding things to the water, the fish need to acclimate to it.  Then after a water change, they need to acclimate again to it, etc.

If it isnt broke... dont fix it.

I tend to agree with you in regards to buffers and the like (I've had my own bad experience with - dumb stupid dumb),  but salt and /or Stress Coat seem to be staples that most everyone I know uses regularly...

[four_by_ken]

I have become a huge advocate of not adding anything to the water that isnt needed.

Once you start adding things to the water, the fish need to acclimate to it.  Then after a water change, they need to acclimate again to it, etc.

If it isnt broke... dont fix it.

I tend to agree with you in regards to buffers and the like (I've had my own bad experience with - dumb stupid dumb),  but salt and /or Stress Coat seem to be staples that most everyone I know uses regularly...

StressCoat regularly?  Only to remove chlorine.  But, there are other products that are cheaper for that.  Other than that its not needed all the time.  The fish produce their own slime coat, they dont need help.

Salt, I feel you only need to add salt if your water is too soft.  Other than that... what for?  Honest question.

Fresh clean water with no additives are your fish's favorite thing.

[LoveTheFishies]

I'd do about a tablespoon per 5g or so. A little more or a little less won't hurt anything.

Sea salt from the grocery store or the kind used in salt water tanks is fine. 

Personally use the chlorine remover w/ stress coat for most of my water changes.

[Regalblue]

Good water quality & some salt is the best IMO