Still no test strips will get some over weekend

[*]Tank size (How many Gals) and How long has it been running?just move him to the 45 but he is back in the 20 for treatment
[*]What is the name and size of the filter/s?Aquatech 5-15
[*]How often do you change the water and how much?every week 50%


[*]How many fish in the tank and their size?1 6in
[*]What kind of water additives or conditioners?regular
[*]Any medications added to the tank?macryn(sp)
[*]Add any new fish to the tank?no
[*]What do you feed your fish?lots of goodies
[*]Any unusual findings on the fish such as
"grains of salt",
bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?
[*]Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating,ect..?

one of his eye has poped out. i notice it last night..it has gotten worse added meds he is in the 20 gallon as of now. please help

Popeye can be the first sign of dropsy.
Metro Meds is excellent however it is sold only online.

yes i know this..i have never had a fish recover from this...

I am using macryn

oh no Alex! u should really try to get some metro meds from goldfish connection along with the maracyn, I havent had any luck saving fish from dropsy either, i really hope Ace pulls through for ya!

I wish i could get some but i don't have paypal or anything like that

FishCrazy, you should know by now that test strips are inaccurate. You really ought to get a drop test kit!

I suggest doing a very large water change (>80%) and add Epsom salts to your tank (1/4 TSP per 10gal). The epsom salts will help draw out the excess fluid inside of Ace.

I agree that MetroMeds would be very helpful, but in my experience when the dropsy is this advanced, they won't arrive in time to help. I just want to clarify-- there are three different types of Maracyn-- which one are you using? You should be using Maracyn-2. Maracyn-1 is mostly for external bacteria and fungi-- Ace has an internal infection.

Maracyn-2 is light sensitive, so you'll need to turn off the strip light and cover the tank with a towel to keep it dark. And remember-- medicines do NOT mix with ammonia! If you're cycling a tank, you're going to have to do daily 100% water changes and then add back the epsom salts and Maracyn-2 that you removed.

Jungle Anti-Bacterial medication is usually found in most LFS and can be helpful in the first stages of dropsy.

Good luck!

ok looks like i will need to go shopping for the Epsom salt and Jungle Anti-Bacterial medication

I am using Maracyn-2 for popeye etc..

Are the drop test kit come in those little boxes?

I did a quick cyle on the 20 gallon.. I left some water from last time along with some media.

Side note: Ace is stil begging for food.

pics are to come

FC--

You won't know if your 20 has actually cycled until you test it. Seeding a QT is a good start but can still cause a big cycle bump or even a crash. You must be certain there is no ammonia before adding meds. Don't forget to cover the tank to avoid the medicine's exposure to light.

Yes, the drop kit are the kinds that come in boxes. Most of us use API brand. They're expensive to buy on their own, but their "master" test kits make it more affordable.

Hello FC - I can see that you are already receiving very good advice.

I just wanted to repeat what TOJ has said: you MUST get a proper drop test kit. This is basic to fishkeeping.
API, Hagen, Tetra all make drop kits. Strips are far too unreliable and inaccurate.

To medicate a sick fish without any knowlegde of the water parametrs is crazy! I agree with Joy that your 20 is unlikely to have a stable cycle right now, so the readings could be very 'off'. Meds + ammonia = toxic soup.

He really needs perfect water and Metro-Meds from GFC. Can you ask your parents for a little help?

hey Alex, how is Ace doing? I have the jungle antibacterial food, it has never helped me with dropsy but I have had it work with a mild bacterial infection. You could give it a try but im sure the metromeds are much better.

update he is acting better and swelling has gone down

will go shopping this weekend

also i tested my water for ammonia and i don't have any

What test did you use for the ammonia, FC?

It would really be helpful if you could post ALL of your water parameters in ppm.

Glad to hear that Ace is feeling better!

I have ammonia strips

I will get a proper test kit asap

I added some Epsom salt..

I am glad to hear Ace is doing good too !!!!

Update: his eye is almost back to normal.

no test kit though