Hi everyone, I'm posting for my sister. She has a Siamese Fighter who just developed pop eye yesterday - he is in a 5 gallon tank (I think that's what, 20 litres?) with no filter, but I checked her params and all were perfect! Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10, pH 6.8.. the eye is very bad, swelling quite badly and the scales on his head are protruding. There is no abdominal swelling though, I checked because I thought perhaps it was dropsy related. I think his slime coat has increased too because it looks like he has a grey film on his body. We put 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in the tank (as wetwebmedia said), but is there any other/better way to treat this? It was very bizarre since the params checked out and there have been no new fish, as he lives alone, and no new plants added.

Go to the LFS and buy a pack of Maracyn and Maracyn 2. If you have enough money, get both because they are most effective when used together. Start treatment as soon as possible.

Hi Kissy,

I live in Australia and we do not have Maracyn here. What exactly am I treating for? Parasites, bacteria?

Dropsy can be cause by a number of things. Most likely this case is bacterial, and it will need attention as soon as possible. I hope that someone from Oz will come along soon and be able to help you out. My fins are crossed for you and your Betta! Good luck and keep us updated, please.

Ah I'm sorry. I don't know the meds they have there, but if you can find anything designated for fish that is anti-bacterial, buy it. Try posting in the International forum about an antibacterial medication.