Dropsy Tank...need Advice...

[shi24137]

I've had a total of 3 fish get dropsy in the same tank, should I bleach that tank and start over with a new filter or should I just leave it alone? I have 4 platy and one betta left in the dropsy tank...would it be safe to move them to my safe tank or sould I just try and medicate it??? I'm at a loss of what to do! Please help me!!!

 

[fluttermoth]

Dropsy is more of a symptom than a diagnosis; a bit like 'stomach ache' in people.

We really need to try and pin down why the fish have had dropsy before we can offer the best advice.

How long has your tank been set up, was it cycled, and have you tested the water? What filtration are you running, and what's your maintenance regime?

 

[shi24137]

I usually do a water change(since I've noticed the dropsy epidemic) about once a week, my tank is cycled and and have had the tank for about 4 months now with no problem, IDK what is causing this, I've had to euthanize 3 fish now, I'm really getting worried, the filter is one that came with the tank, aqua-tech, it's only a 10gal tank

 

[fluttermoth]

So you had 7 platies and the betta in a 10g? That's pushing the limits of acceptable stocking levels, tbh. Most cases of dropsy can be traced back to poor water quality.

I'd up your water changes to 50%, twice a week and get your water tested for ammonia and nitrites.

 

[colleen0309]

Did you do partial water changes regularly before the dropsey? How often and how much? What are your ammonia levels, nitrite levels, and nitrate levels? As fluttermoth says, dropsey is more of a symptom than a disease. Dropsey is the build up of bodily fluids as the internal organs shut down. We need to find out why they have dropsey before we can tell you what you should do. If you don't have a test kit, could you take a water sample to your LFS and have them test it for you? If so, have them write down the numbers. Don't settle for them saying "everything is fine". We need actual numbers if we are going to help you and your fish.

 

[shi24137]

just wanted to update you guys and tell you that my dropsy epidemic has stopped, no more lost fish and my new 60gal is up and running and all of my fish are happy campers!!!

 

[colleen0309]

So glad everything has worked out for you!

 

[shi24137]

thanks colleen! Unfortunately one of my bettas passed away this afternoon, I came home and looked in on him, thought he jumped out of the tank so I get my flashlight and peek around in the tank and there he was, stuck to the filter intake...which is odd bc he actually used it to rest on sometimes, he would stick himself to it and then swim away like it was a game for him...I'm sad bc he was my favorite, purple, pink, blue, and white VT...I'll miss him!

 

[Reret]

Did he have dropsy ever

 

[shi24137]

no he was in the healthy tank...IDK why he died, I think his fin may have gotten tangled in the filter intake...I'm sad though...my tank is empty now...

 

[Reret]

I bet he had a great life

 

[shi24137]

oh he did, he had a whole 10 gal to himself, he was sooo beautiful too...but I'm sure I'll find another one soon, I'm going to look today at my lfs

 

[colleen0309]

little betta! Sorry for your loss. Hope you find one just as beautiful!