Tiger Barb With Scales Sticking Out?

[targett]

Hi, i noticed one of my tiger barbs is not looking to great. Its scales look like there sticking out and so does its eyes, its not eating much and looks all blowted and hiding alot. Also on one side its stomach looks red bit like a love bite but the other side looks normal.
Is there anyway of treating the fish? im currently giving melafix for another barb that got its fin nipped and there all in the same tank. Think i will purchase a smaller tank next week as a hospital tank for future illnesses.
 
Thanks

 

[fm1978]

Sounds like dropsy, I'm afraid. If it's already at the stage you describe, it's not likely that treatment would be of any use...sorry.

 

[targett]

Ok thanks, should i leave it in there till it dies or flush him while its still alive? I really dont know what to do with it. I did run out of water testers so ive bought some more today off ebay, what is the cause of dropsy?

 

[DerpPH]

Ok thanks, should i leave it in there till it dies or flush him while its still alive? I really dont know what to do with it. I did run out of water testers so ive bought some more today off ebay, what is the cause of dropsy?

 
bacteria. The most obvious killers

 

[fm1978]

It could be caused by extended exposure to poor water conditions, poor diet or sometimes the overuse of salt. This then gives rise to a rather nasty internal parasite which damages the internal organs of the fish.

Whatever you decide to do with regard keeping him alive or euthanising him, please don't flush it down the toilet. Wrapped in some paper and put in the bin is a preferred disposal method.

 

[the_lock_man]

Ok thanks, should i leave it in there till it dies or flush him while its still alive? I really dont know what to do with it. I did run out of water testers so ive bought some more today off ebay, what is the cause of dropsy?

 
Never flush a fish. There are 2 methods of euthanasia that are recommended - one is to put the fish in a bag, and give it a massive blow to the head. The other is to use clove oil to effectively put it to sleep.
 

 

Ok thanks, should i leave it in there till it dies or flush him while its still alive? I really dont know what to do with it. I did run out of water testers so ive bought some more today off ebay, what is the cause of dropsy?

 
bacteria. The most obvious killers
 

 
There are lots of causes of dropsy, since it is a symptom, not a disease. Bacteria is just one, poor water quality is a common one

 

[targett]

Thanks for the replys, i will go the clove oil route i think. I just dont want it to suffer longer than it has to. I do 50% water change every week but like i said i ran out of water test so as soon as my new ones arrive ill test straight away. Tanks been set up over 6 months and i did a fishless cycle before i added the fish