marley9697

Hi -

Unfortunately, my platy has a bad case of dropsy. I treated him once before with a good result, but this time around it does not seem to be working. I already did a 5 day round of Maracyn-2 and he is eating but looks horrible. Should I do a second round or has it gone too far?

Any help would be appreciated - Jeannine

Venus911

When you say he looks horrible; describe in detail the fish's appearance and behavior.

Also, what is your usual maintenance program? How much and how often do you regularly change out water? Do you use a gravel vacuum? Are you treating the water for chlorine and chloramines?

What size is the fish? What size is the tank? What type of filtration do you use? Does it contain charcoal? Do you have gravel on the bottom? What type of decorations do you have in the tank?

marley9697

Thanks so much for responding.

When you say he looks horrible; describe in detail the fish's appearance and behavior. He has all the tell-tale signs of dropsy. A full pine-cone appearance, hiding and only coming out when it is time to eat. He also has some blood streaks on his side.

Also, what is your usual maintenance program? 25% water change every 1-2 months. How much and how often do you regularly change out water? Do you use a gravel vacuum? Yes. Are you treating the water for chlorine and chloramines? Yes.

What size is the fish? He is probably about 1.5 inches. What size is the tank? 29 gallon hospital tank with 3 goldfish. What type of filtration do you use? Bio-Wheel Does it contain charcoal? Yes, but I removed to medicate. Do you have gravel on the bottom? Yes. What type of decorations do you have in the tank? Just one big castle.

Hope this helps. Thanks again.

Venus911

The standard rule of thumb (my rule that is) fresh water housing is 2.5 gallons per 1" of fish body; you didn't say what size your goldies are or what size your main tank is, but if they are within this guide line you should be performing weekly water changes of 20% as a part of your regular maintenance program. If you stocking levels are over this guide line, instead of increasing the amount of water being exchanged, increase the amount of water changes.

Charcoal is preferred in tropical fish tanks, and doesn't mix well with the nitrogen cycle in freshwater tanks. Remove it or replace it every two weeks to make sure it doesn't degrade and leach toxins into the water.

Raised scales is a very serious symptom; sometimes related to high nitrate levels and sometimes related to too high of water temperatures, but it can also be related to the charcoal in your tank.

Considering you haven't been performing enough water changes, it's my bet that the fish may have been poisoned by nitrates and charcoal. If this is the case, there are no medicines that will help. The best thing you can do for the fish is to perform daily water changes of 10% keeping nitrates extremely low and water extremely fresh.

Nitrate levels must always be reduced gradually to keep from injuring the fish further. If the fish has been poisoned by nitrates; you may have noticed conditions worsening after relocating the fish.

If the fish has only been slightly poisoned, it may respond if your water quality is good. In the past I've relied on salt baths for fish poisoned by high nitrates with no positive results, but lately I've been trying liquid chlorophyll with some promising results. If you're interested in giving it a go; here is an article about chlorophyll and it's benefits with instructions for a green bath.

Make sure you're using water treatment that eliminates chlorine and chloramines. These chemicals will wreak havoc with your friendly bugs and sensitive fish too.

If you have a lid on your tank open or remove so the surface of your water is exposed to fresh air. This makes for a much healthier ecosystem.

Best of luck and please let us know how your platy is doing, Venus