Fish Dropsy

Question
My fish keep getting dropsy in my 16 gallon tank. I'll think that the sickness is gone, and then another fish gets sick in a month or so. Some just died and my water readings are as follows: pH 8.0, Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrate 10ppm, Nitrite 0ppm. I keep a heater in my tank and my fish are usually at about 82 degrees F. I have 2 dwarf gouramis, a beta and 2 dwarf platy fish. I salt treat my tank too. I usually use pH Down because my pH keeps creeping up to that 8.0(we have very hard water) and I did have an outbreak of snail babies, which I am taking care of.

Answer
Hi Kristen,

First, change 30% of the water. Then, buy an antibacterial medicine at your local fish store, such as Maracyn. Most cases of dropsy are caused by bacterial infections.

The antibacterial remedy should cure your fish, and adding aquarium salt will definitely help. Your temperature is a bit high for Bettas and your other fish. I think that 80F or lower would be better, unless you are treating for Ich, etc.

A tip to removing excess snails: Place a lettuce leaf in the tank just before bedtime. Then, in the morning, you'll find lots of snails on the leaf. You can then remove the leaf!

Good Luck, and I hope your fish recover!