what causes popeye?

[trgirl]

Is it true that popeye is caused by air bubbles in water? I read that here and was curious because my power head creates quite a stir of bubbles and this is a concern.

 

[wolfeel]

Anthem is right, the most common causes of popeye are environmental, bacterial/parasite or damages. But your fish can get air embolysms in their eyes and gills due to super saturation of DO from too much air coming directly into your tank, which then can further escalate into infections. If you have micro-bubbles saturating the tank...get rid of them. You shouldn't need the aeration fixture on your powerhead unless you are running a continuous siphon skimmer, but that would cause only periodic air bubbles which would not affect your fish. Normal airstones will not cause super saturation or popeye.
Hope this helps!
wolfie

 

[pancho]

yes poor water condition is a part of popeye might be one of the biggest reasons. high levels of ammonia will kick it off some times as well