Re: Fish problems. Dropsy?

A nice detailed post but you dont mention any symptoms?
Mel.


"George Thompson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sorry if this comes as a second post, but I'm a little worried, and
> I've been off investigating!
>
> Right, stats first:
>
> Temperature is 21'C-22'C (72F) - I'm buying a heater tomorrow.  Info
> on how they work make/models recommended would be helpful
> Nitrites - 0 (not sure if I believe that)
> Nitrates - 40 (water change time?)
> PH 7.8-8 (steady)
>
> Tank is definately overstocked at the moment.  Due to my financial
> situation, I'm opting for regular water changes.  Goldfish & shubunkin
> have been growing expotentially.  Now 3" (1" in 1 month) Tank size is
> 11g and was only temporary.  I'm worried about upgrading for 3
> reasons.
>
> 1.) Top floor flat (3 stories) - floor is wonky and I'm not sure it'll
> take much more weight.
>
> 2.) Only just bought a new hood for the last one.
>
> 3.) will need replacement hood, tank, light bulb & stand.  I don't
> have any more room!
>
> I suppose the good water quality is the reason for the sudden growth
> spurt.  I did sell my old hexatank (a whole 1g) but I suspect I can
> retrieve it.  I still have my new temporary tank (I was going to use
> it for brine shrimp, but it's completely impractical for that use.  It
> is less than 1g (recommended by most LGF as a "perfect starter tank".
> I was keeping it for plants and for emergency dips etc.
>
> History:
> Fish related - fish swallowed stone about 2/3 weeks ago
> Enviromental - change from gravel to pebbles about 2 weeks ago
> Enviromental - several water changes, addition of salt (probably too
> quickly, but nitrates seem to indicate that the biobugs recovered OK)
> Fish related - Fish swimming around at bottom, bit slow.  Halved
> feeding and alternated between brocolli (bad idea, v.smelly water) and
> bloodworm.  1 week ago.  Fish on high protein at the moment (no peas
> till today)
> Enviromental - Finally realised the reason my pump kept stopping after
> I turned off the electricity was because small yellow clog meter was
> firmly encrusted.  Washed pump thoroughly in used tank water.  Lots of
> crap came out
> Enviromental - water change, probably a bit to cold (winter here in
> UK, I try and let water stand for 12-24hrs to get to room temperature)
>
> Water is conditioned with a declor when I don't have time or change is
> needed urgently.
>
> Conclusions:
>
> I need help here.  I understand that this situation is probably my
> fault, but the fish seemed to be doing really quite well in their
> enviroment (all growing, no illness for six months).  Stress & water
> temp is probably to blame.
>
> All and every bit of help would be appreciated.  I really don't want
> to loose my chubby oranda, especially after he's only just started
> developing his headpiece :- )