Hello all, I've had this problem on and off Since June now, the water seems to be testing fine (today it's tested ph 7.2, Nitrates 5mg/l , ammonia 0). The PH tends to fluctuate, so I have a buffer and use ph down, but the fish still sit quite often. This only happens in this one tank, the others are fine and I don't have to adjust the ph in any of the other tanks.

This tank is a 20 gal with a 30 gal whisper filter. I do regular water changes every four days to keep nitrates down (I will be doing one tomorrow).

Today I notice one of the two gf appears bloated (he sits the most, always has). I don't know if this is dropsy or not. I'm so confused, the water tests fine yet they are always sickly ... could this be the rocks I'm using? I know rocks can sometimes cause ph fluctuations, but they are aquarium rocks... I don't know. Is there a certain brand of rocks that are best in gf tanks? I also use Cycle to help with the bacteria.

OH yeah, I have a bubble wall in the tank too so it is very aerated.

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Stasia

what kind of gravel are you using?? Also does your fish look like a pinecone? If so then he might have dropsy.

I really am not sure of the brand of rock, I threw the bag out ages ago, but they are real in appearance, but they are made for aquariums.

I've had a fish with dropsy before, and it doesn't quite look like that, and she isn't too distressed. She eats her peas happily. THe scales are sticking out slightly, but she appears more bloated than pineconey (kind of like my beta when she couldn't poop) THe fish have no spots, bloody streaks, missing scales, fin rot, pop eyes, not clamped. I am stumped! Thanks for your quick response my nemo.
~Stasia

Maybe your fish is just constipated. Try fastng for a couple days then feed peas.

oh yea I forgot to ask what type of goldfish do you have? Some breed generally have larger tummies then others.

You mentioned ammonia and nitrates, but what about nitrites? It is very important that you test for these too. (They should be at 0 by the way)

my gf is a short bodied telescoping fantail, so she is naturally big and round, but never like this before... thismorning, she has a stringy white poop hanging from her, is this an indication of bacterial infection or constipation? I need topick up a nitrite test kit on my way to work today... they never test for nitrite at my lfs I didn't think that was something to worry about anyways, I'll post later with more info, thanks fishyfan....

~jujubee

p.s. if this is a bacterial infection, what should I do?? I have antibacterial flakes....

I think I'd try the peas first. Feed nothing but defrosted, frozen peas, shelled and chopped tiny, for 3 days. If she is constipated this should cure it. If it doesn't then perhaps you could treat for a bacterial infection. You can buy meds aimed at this specifically but as I'm in the Uk and I'm guessing you're not, I can't recommend anything. The anti bacterial food would be a good start though so start her on that after the peas.

Hey guys, thanks for replying to my post! I tested for nitrites today, and there are none, so I'm thinking it's constipation or perhaps and internal infection of some sort... I'm so stumped here, my gf still sit in that tank... water params are fine yet they all still sit it's been like that since june... any other suggestions ??

~Thanks so much,
Stasia

Anyone?
*bump*

UPDATE!

Bert is pooping long, tightly condensed poops... THis is constipation right?? I am feeding him peas along with medicated flakes just in case.. any other suggestions? He's been quite happy today:)
Thanks so much!
~Stasia