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I don't think my betta will make it to morning. He's got dropsy, and is three times his normal size. He also has an unstoppable fin rot-like thing that has continually shred his fins so that now he has nothing but rags. He also hasn't eaten in a week and a half. (Been treating him with heat, aquarium salt - before the dropsy started, and Melafix.) He had dropsy a month ago, but recovered unaided. He's only a year and a half old, it's too soon for him to go.

But through all this, the tank has been fine.

I'll repeat that (I've been doing this for awhile now) - There is nothing wrong the water, or the tank, or it's inhabitants.

There is no reason for this to have happened. The only thing I can think of is that the lump that started growing in near his tail a few months ago is cancerous, and it's lowered his immune system to the point where he's just shutting down.

However, if that isn't the case, I risk infecting any new fish with the same (unknown) problem.

I went through this about a year and a half ago with three female bettas, again with no good explanation as to what caused it.

The tank is cycled and is perfect, and it'll take months before it gets there again if I tear it down. Not only that, but I have ghost shrimp and two snails, and while some people may say they aren't worth anything, I don't want to loose them. One of the snails is the size of a large hermit crab. That takes a long time to accomplish.

I need some options, please! The only thing I can think of is tear the tank down, bleach everything and kill the ghost shrimp and snails. (Did that last time - obviously starting completely fresh didn't work.) Or take the risk and introduce a new fish.

HELP!!!

If you think it is necessary to completly pull the Tank down do so for your own satisfaction.

If you only have a shrimp and snails is there any thing that use to keep them in.

When you say bleach every thing exactly what are you refering to?

Using all the correct procedues with some starter Zebra Danios it will not take months to recycle a tank.

How big is the tank?

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

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Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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It's a 5 gallon, and from personal experiance, it takes at least 3 months before it becomes completely stable. (Though once it does, it's wonderfully predicatable!) I can't do a larger tank, though I'd love to! I'm really limited on time and finances lately.

When I say bleach everything, I do mean everything - tank, decorations, filter. I even through out the old food and water conditioners just in case something became infected. And I start over with brand new filter media and gravel.

My question would be, wouldn't the snails and shrimp just bring whatever disease or bacteria the betta has right back into the tank?

If is as a serious contagious disease as you think it is I would totally start again.

I am far and I mean a long way far from being any sort of an expert in your problem I will leave it up to others to give you a far more correct answer. A biopsy would be the only way to corectly establish exactly what is/was wrong with you sick Betta.

But to be honest I dont think you will be happy unless you do a complete start over again. Hard as it may seem I personally think this is the only way you will ever be satisifed the problem has gone forever, regardless of the suggestions you receive.

Sounds like a Physo reply to a problem. What do you think is best for you?

Or Cut your losses and start again.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

He didn't make it.

I think I'm going to go out tomorrow and just a buy a whole new tank and start from scratch. This one is pretty beat up anyway. (Okay, actually, I think it's cursed, and so everything but the critters are getting thrown out.)

Thank you for the advice keithgh. It was what I needed to hear. I am still worried that the shrimp and snails might harbor whatever was wrong, but I'm gonna quarantine them and try to flush out their systems first.

Awwwww Sorry to hear he didn't make it.
Best of luck when you get the new tank wodesorel, I'm sure this one will be good luck for you
Cheers
BubbleLover

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