Oranda and Dropsy!

Question
Hi Chris, my little friend Allen, a red-capped oranda, has been in his 55 gallon tank for about 2-3 weeks. Up until yesterday he was living with a comet goldfish, but the comet has since been moved as she was picking on our little Allen and stressing him out. I think the pH and nitrites are fine, but the ammonia is a little high. I have used some ammonia remover today. Anyway, last week my little Allen started sitting on the bottom of the tank. I tested the water and found that the ammonia was a little high so I used some ammonia remover. After a couple days he had not improved and his little dorsal fin was pressed flat to his back. I then noticed that his little face was swelling and that his eyes were bulging. I went on the internet and discovered that he likely has dropsy. I ran to the pet store and got him Macaryn 2. Within 24 hours he was swimming happily. He is now on his third day of medication (of 5 days), and he is swimming around and his dorsal fin is up, but his eyes are still very bulgy and the scales on the front of his little body had begun to portrude or "pine cone". I am worried sick about Allen and I want to make him healthy again! Should I be using epsom salts as well? If so, how much? Also, is it alright to use ammonia remover with macaryn 2? How can I heal my little guy? I love him so much! Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Amy;

Make a series of water changes to lower the ammonia. Replace 25% of the water every day for 3 or 4 days. Keep using the "Maracyn 2", just add it after you change water for that day.

Ammonia "removers" help a bit, but don't really remove it. They only help prevent them from affecting the fish as much but the ammonia is still in there. It's okay to use it with the Maracyn 2.

Dropsy is a very difficult condition to treat because there are so many possible causes. You could try epsom. It does seem to help with swelling. Here is an article about dropsy that includes information about epsom too;

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article24.html

I hope Allen feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins