Answer

Hi and thank you for the detailed information as it enables me to better diagnose the problem.

 

Your course of treatment was textbook, especially feeding the peas.

 

Now in anaylizing the problem I saw that when you treated with Melafix and Pimafix the fish improved but apparently didn't get over the top in beating the disease.

 

Ok I'm going to make a point here but before I do I'd like to go over swim bladder disorder (sbd) a bit.

 

You might be aware that sbd is generally caused as a result of a goldfish's anatomy.

The shapes of many species of goldfish have caused their swim bladder to be in kind of a tight squeeze thus predisposing them to sbd.

 

Many cases are also caused by bacteria in the swim bladder which is what I believe is the problem in your goldfish's case. The medicines you used although all-natural were not strong enough to knock our the problem.

I have found this not surprising with Pimafix and Melafix as they lack pharmaceutical strength medicine.

 

So my only recommendation here is to change the medicine to something stronger such as Maracyn-Two, click on upcoming link for a view of the product-

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4615+4842&pcatid=4842

Maracyn-Two can be found at most major pet stores where fish are sold. Just follow the directions on the product label for usage instructions.

 

I'd only suggest one variation on the pea diet and that is to throw in intermittent days of fasting in between days of feeding peas. This regimen will sometimes works better than a strict pea diet.

 

Now there's only one other thing that has me concerned and that is the brown discoloration on the fish's fins. This is usually a sign of something called "ammonia burn" which is basically a reaction to ammonia in the water. Ammonia is harmful to fish and is caused by unchecked fish waste and decaying matter in an aquarium. It should not be present in an established tank but certain variables can cause it to appear.

 

What I strongly urge you to do is have the water tested for levels of ammonia and nitrites. Nitrites will sometimes appear after ammonia has made an appearance. They too are harmful to fish.

 

Test results should indicate ammonia and nitrites=-0-. If not there's a water quality problem which can be resolved by doing a series of daily 15% partial water changes in conjunction with a drastic reduction in the amount of food being fed to the fish. All is considered normal when ammonia/nitrites test at -0-.

 

If you don't have a test kit or are unfamiliar with water testing then all that need be done is bring a water sample to your local pet store and they will usually test for free.

 

Please keep in mind that no treatment can or will be successful if ammonia and/or nitrites are present in the water.

 

Best wishes and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

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