Ammonia - 0 ppm

Nitrate - 5.0 ppm

High range ph in tank - 7.4

Nitrites - 0 ppm

Additives - 1 1/2 caps of Aquaplus to the tank every water change

meds - 8 days of Furan 2 at least 3 weeks ago (3 water changes since)

food - medicated pellets (one a day, soaked well) and occasional 1/2 pea here and there

Fish upside down on bottom of tank for at least twenty - maybe more days. Seems unable to swim or turn itself over until tonight for first time turned over.

10 gallon tank running 14 months - 2 fish in tank

water changes weekly - 50%

the sick fish is around 1 1/2 inches long (just the body not including fins). The other fish's body is around 2 1/4 inches long.

Fish have been separated in tank for a few months cause of the sick guy.


Koko helped me get this fish back to semi-health last November with medicated fish pellets and warmed up tank. Fish was okay for a few months.

Got very sick when I think I might have overfed it some very soaked fish flakes. Pigged out and has not been able to swim or move from the bottom of the tank since that episode. Sort of swims in very tiny circles upside down on the bottom of the tank. Lately does not even do that unless trying to find the pellet I drop in.

I'm wondering if I should set up a hospital tank with less water in it cause a friend mentioned his back looks broken?? Maybe the water pressure is too great?

Also - someone else mentioned it might be blocked with eggs?? I have no idea if the fish is even a female or not.

The fish used to float upside down after eating - pretty routinely when it was healthier than it is now. At the present time - it is basically sunk to the bottom. I pushed all the gravel and stones away so it doesn't get sore laying on rocks. Could it be clogged with poop??

I'm soooooo totally confused. I do not see anything sticking out from body, so I do not think it is dropsy.

Today I fed him 1/2 pea. Am thinking of moving him to a tupperware container with less water. Worried about the container not being cycled? Really have no idea what to do to help the poor guy/gal. Any help at all would be so very appreciated. I know the fish should be euthanised but do not have the heart to do it.

I am sorry to hear this. It really doesn't sound good that her/him has been upside down 20 days. Often when this happens the SBD has went beyond controling it and requires a vet's attention and even then they cannot be saved.

Since you believe the fish should be euthanized, is there a family member or friend that could do it for you?

I guess the only thing else to do is fast the fish, but with the fragile start it is in whether or not that is a good idea is questionable.
You could give it a try, at this point I think you are in desperation. Sorry I can't help more.

If the fish is still EAGER!!!! to eat, is it time to euthanize??? I know I sound dumb but I don't really know when to give up all hope.

I will fast beginning tonight - but should I remove him to a tank with less water to remove pressure?

Well it is a judgement call really. You need to take in quality of life issues. Obviously if he/she can't move around or swim right that is a negative, however if the fish still likes to eat that is a positive. So you are back to square one. YOu need to go with your gut instinct.

As far as the moving to another tank, I wouldn't. It should be fine the way he is. Just make sure the current isn't to strong for him.

Okay I have been fasting the fish and he does not show any signs of improvement - though he did flip himself over tonight when he thought I was going to feed him.

I just noticed for the first time that he has a huge lump right under his tail fins - kinda outside of his body and under the rear fins? Could he be constipated beyond help? I don't really understand the anatomy of a goldfish - but it looks very weird and definitely not right. Would very advanced swimbladder problems cause a lump by his butt?

I have not heard of SBD causing a bump. However I have heard of them getting tumors both benign and cancerous. This could be something.
If the fish showed interest in food I would go ahead and give the shelled cut up pea. Maybe 2 depending on how big they are. This will help to "clean" things out. You should see green stool later tonight or tomorrow. Keep a watch out.
(often I only see it on the filter intack tube).

Thanks for your help - right now I am beside myself with rage!!!!!! My husband flushed my little guy down the toilet. I am sick!!!!!!!!!! I am infuriated - I am SICK!!!!!!!! thinking about this.

I'm so sorry, fishnovice. After all that care and effort you've put into tending the little guy, for him to go and do that. It just makes me seethe...

As I was reading this thread, I had a couple of questions in mind I was planning to ask you to see if I could offer some advice... and then your last post just shocked me.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you for your kind words. I have not stopped crying yet. I do not know how I am supposed to forgive my husband for this - hopefully the little guy is in fish heaven now - eating all the food his little heart could want!!


I guess my husband thought he was doing me a favor cause he seemed to be filled with more lumps yesterday and getting worse - but I wanted to bring him to the vet to be euthanized. I wish I'd done that now.

Anyway - thank you.

Oh my I am sorry to hear that. I am sure your hubby was trying to save you from worry. Talk with him and work out your pain. I know men try very hard to "fix" our problems and forget sometimes we just need their support.