Unfortunately the biorb isn't really big enough for fish. These biorb are just designer goldfish bowls and are not fit for purpose, sadly. Fish need to be kept in tanks with good amount of surface area to allow for adequate gas exchange. The size of the tank needed varies for each species. What type of fish are you keeping?

Thank you for the link, I really appreciate it. Charlie is still alive, still eating but has started bottom sitting.

Use a new sponge, unless the one you removed was only very recently added. Carbon becomes exhausted pretty quickly in fish tanks.

Hi, I'd suggest treating the fish for a fungal infection. White spot looks like little tiny grains of salt. This looks fungal or possibly viral.

Esha 2000 is one of the best medications for clearing up fungas. You'll need to remove the medication you have already added, this can be done using carbon and a large water change. Once you've removed the current treatment, you can use the Esha 2000.

The API master kit is the best test available and the one that most fish keepers use.

I'll start by saying that I understand the chances of his survival are very slim indeed. Charlie, my blind fantail, has dropsy. I've started him on Octozin.

My question is, is salt (aquarium salt, sea salt and so on) beneficial or lethal to a fish with dropsy?

There seems to be two theories. The most common one being the salt would put further pressure on the kidneys. The other theory being the salt will reduce the pressure on the kidneys by stopping the fish absorbing so much water. I wondered what you guy's think?

At the moment I have a light solution of salt added, not enough to do any thing either way. If salt is potentially beneficial, how much should I add?

Also, am I right in thinking adding Epsom salt will be of no help whatsoever? Apart from raising the GH of course. I've read claims that people have saved fish with dropsy using Epsom salt.

Charlie is eating, trying to swim and generally responsive so I want to keep trying to save him. My train of thought is that all the time he himself is trying to survive, I shouldn't give up. If he stops eating and so on, then obviously clove is the only option.

What size is tank the fish is usually kept in?

Has the lump grown quickly or slowly?

Earlier last year I started a campaign to leave goldfish bowls bad reviews on Amazon. A few members from here left bad reviews. It was great! Just don't read the comments people leave on your review.

We could always have another round this year. Maybe expand to other sites where you can easily leave reviews. I'm sure some of the big pet stores with online sites must have a review system. I've never bothered to look.

Suey2 may know more about the research side of things with regards to goldfish.

The colour change is very common, most fish change colour throughout their lives. True blackmoors are not common and most shops label telescope fish as blackmoors. This is the reason they change colour despite being callled blackmoors.

As for his bump, you could add a little Melafix to help ward off any potential infection. You could give him a salt bath too.

I recommend using a tablespoon of sea salt (or any salt that doesn't contain additives), dissolved in some warm water and added to a bucket or container with about three litres of his tank water. Keep him in for three minutes.

@ nathangoudie they are the type you get in ponds, usually. Not sure what their breed is called, they're small and black or at least they appear that way. Very, very common.


I wouldn't mind if the tank was bigger and could accommodate the extra waste but it's a 160 litre tank, 20 litres short of the requirements for two fancy goldfish.

@ maccy_g you'd be welcome to them lol.

I mentioned a few weeks back that Winston had snails in his tank after I added plants, now they're starting to get out of control. I was hoping they wouldn't breed as there isn't much for them to eat (plants pulled up by the fish and almost gone). They have, however, and I have no idea how to tackle the problem. Any ideas?

I thank goodness that the other three tanks have not been affected. I'm guessing the other fish had their snails for lunch and saw to the problem themselves as I've not seen a single snail in any of the other tanks. I'm assuming with Winston being disabled, he didn't/hasn't noticed the french delicacy that is unwittingly on offer. Maybe I just got lucky with other tanks?

Won't be buying from Plants Alive again.