Bloat Issues Again, Do I Have To QT?

[danifacetastic]

So I don't know if I ever came on here, but my veil tail that had been dealing with what we thought was Dropsy (bloating, lethargy, gasping for air, pineconing) finally passed away a few weeks ago. That leaves me with 2 boys who are in a 10 gallon tank, divided.

The older of the two boys, that I got in November of 2010, has started bloating. No other symtoms, and not a full body bloat with pineconing like my past fish. Just a belly bloat. I have been feeding him 2 pellets twice a day but for the past few days have cut it down to 1 pellet twice a day.

Can I start treating with epsom salt and Maracyn Plus without quarentining him? Or is there another route I should go with this? It's almost impossible to get pictures because I can hardly get a good look at him myself. When I approach the tank he dances around like usual.

[danifacetastic]

Anyone??

[lilyth88]

He might just be constipated. Separate him into a hospital tank and treat with 1tsp/gallon Epsom salt. 100% changes every day. Do not continue longer than 10 days. Make sure the epsom salt is unscented with no dyes.

[danifacetastic]

Do I HAVE to seperate or can I just do frequent changes on the tank I have them in now? I'm concerned because I had my other fish QT'd for so long and I switched between 2 small tanks with him and my grandma is afraid they might be contaminated or something.

[danifacetastic]

And I wouldn't think it's that, there's poop on the gravel. But it may be a few days old.

[lilyth88]

It's generally recommended to not treat a fish that doesn't need treatment.

For the QT tanks, you can try some diluted bleach to clean it. Just make sure you rinse it REALLY, REALLY well.

Have you tried fasting him for a day or two?

[danifacetastic]

Not completely fasting, just cut down on feeding. Should I try that before treatment? And how should I dilute the bleach?

[lilyth88]

You could try fasting for 1-2 days. See if that helps.

[danifacetastic]

Alright well I didn't feed him at all yesterday, so I won't feed today either. I'm planning on changing the water in the tank today, so do you think it'd be okay if I went ahead and added epsom salt? The other boy doesn't need it but it wouldn't hurt right?

[lilyth88]

Mmmm... I don't know if it would hurt him persay, but I just always hesitate to treat fish that don't need it.