one of my goldfish has just died from dropsy should I do a complete water change to protect other orthers?

Answer 1

Dropsey is a resulting condition of some other infection. The kidneys break down and fluids begin to build in the body. I would highly suggest to you to get Medi-Gold from www.goldfishconnection to protect the other tank mates. A heater in the tank may prevent this. Goldfish tend to get dropsey in tanks where the temperature fluctuates daily. It can happen if the temp day after day rises and falls by even 5 degrees. A heater will keep the temperature stable. Mid to high 70's is best. Coldwater discription of goldfish is kinda of a misnomer. It really means they can handle coldwater unlike tropicals who will die if the temp falls below a certain point. It does not in any way mean the goldfish likes to stay in coldwater. They are healthier and grow faster in warmer water and you will have less problems in a tank with the same temperature maintained year round. This is especially true for fancy varieties. I've done my homework and asked the pro's myself thier opinion on heating and they everyone that knows goldfish will say they use heat, even in the pond. I'm not saying its fool proof for stopping dropsey since dropsey is not a disease its a result of disease. But disease happens only if the fish is not in ideal water conditions which does include temperature. Goldfish require massive water changes frequently. Their water must be ideal. They are not the easy to keep beginner fish every one says they are. Look at all the goldfish related questions here each day. People think they can live in a pool of spit if they have to and that is simply untrue. Goldfish are as difficult to keep as any tropical fish. So do what I did, research on your own, ask the people who know goldfish, not Petsmart or Petco. Goldfish Connection is an excellent place to start.

Answer 2

Description:
Dropsy itself is not a disease, but rather a result of some other cause. Dropsy is a term given to the swelling that occurs internally in the fish. There are multiple possible causes. Sometimes it's not contageous, but sick fish should be isolated and treated since determining the actual cause may be impossible, and also because this will be easier on the fish.

The fish's body will become swelled with fluid it is unable to expel. Eventually the swelling will cause the scales to raise, giving the fish what is called the "pine-cone" appearance.

Diagnosis, One of these situations may be the culprit:
Accute Dropsy: Sudden swelling: A bacterial infection will cause internal bleeding.
Chronic Dropsy: Slow swelling: Growing tumors, or even parasites, in the fish may cause it to swell.
Chronic Dropsy: Slow swelling: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Highly contageous!
Other unknown causes, such as a virus, or permanent damage to the fish's internal organs. Damage to kidneys can occur due to over-use of medication or use of too strong of medication.

Treatment:
It is difficult to treat, but in some cases where the problem is due to bacteria, if detected early enough, it can be treated. This is why you should closely examine the fish's environment for a bacterial problem, and deal with the source of the problem as a part of treatment and preventative.

By the time the scales begin to raise, however, it is very fatal to the fish. Salt baths can help to draw the fluid out of the fish. A variety of medications can be purchased that treat dropsy, which sometimes occurs due to an internal bacterial problem. Medications for external bacterial problems only will not be effective for this problem.

I would only do about a 50% water change. If you do a whole tank change it might overstress your other fish.

Answer 3

Dropsy is not very contagious. The earlier it is caught the more likely treatment will be helpful. It is best to up the water temp to about 82-86 degrees and use epsom salts (1/8 teaspoon of epsom salts per 5 gallons) instead of aquarium salts because they will help the fish to lose some of the fluid that has built up. (It is common to think that salts would help, but in reality the fish is bloating and having a hard time ridding its body of fluid; whereas the epsom salts will "draw out toxins"). It is also wise to increase aeration since the temps will be higher. Water quality is very important at this time. This will have to be tried for about 2 weeks.

Answer 4

I wouldn't do a complete water change you will shock the other fish. But you really don't need to because dropsy isn't suppose to be contagious.
Last year one of our huge koi developed dropsy and we took it out and medicated it with Mella-fix and salt. He eventually got better and none of the other fish got sick. But it you want to be safe raise the salt level up just a little bit with non-iodized salt.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Yes...when any fish dies of ANY disease in a tank it is always advisable to change the water to prevent any further outbreaks..also recommend you talk with your local aquatic dealer regarding preventative measures you can take as you are changing the water...also make sure your water is balanced correctly for the type of fish..

Answer 6

yes i would, water most likely has the disease now