posted 09-20-2003 05:47 PM         

Firstly, my large Oranda developed Dropsy and Ick. All fish now have Ick. (within a day)

I keep a 50 gallon .3% saline water tank.
ph always 7.4-7.6
nitrates and ammonia 0

Water changes regularly, two filters running, change carbons opposite each other to help keep good bacteria. Steady aeration and steady water temp. 74 degrees.

Fish: 1 large Black Moore, 1 large Oranda, 1 baby black moore, 1 baby oranda, 2 small Ryukins.

I know my tank is not big enough for all large, when they grew bigger I was going to transfer to a second new tank.

Fish started out good to standard medication treatments. I even slowly adjusted water temp to 80 degrees. Then, after 3 days of treatment a change, they started huddling in a corner at bottom, non responsive unless I poke at them.

Did 50% water change and started carbon filtration again.

Oranda must have so weak it slipped into my syphon tube, I didn't notice till the water stopped filling the pail. I released it back into tank, I had to euthanize her.

The others are still huddling in corner, no more deaths though, and they do come looking at meal time.

What should I do? When should I restart treatment?

Why do I have all the problems and my brother in law who has a small tank with brown water and too many goldfish never have problems!

I can't seem to win! Not to mention all the money I spend trying to do everything correct!
Anyone have suggestions besides throw the @#$%!%& tank out the window! That's next!