Babies Update

We now have 6 baby Platties in the breeding trap and there are still 7 swimming around the tank. I have decided not to try and catch every one of the babies, as the tank is starting to get full, so I have decided to let nature take its course. Seems nature is already having an effect and the Siamese fighter is not well and appears to have Dropsy. I cannot tell if it is from eating all the baby fish or from some infection.

Deaths

Over the last week L and I have not been home much. Unfortunately in that time period we have had two deaths, both while we were away. The first to check out of the hotel earlier this week was the black male molly, who died after suffering from Dropsy. I found his body under the filter and had to fish him out (excuse the pun) with my hand, as nothing else could really get under there. We both enjoyed having him in the tank and he will be replaced as soon as we get a chance. Over the weekend we lost a Leopard Danio who was looking old. Both will be much missed.

Sick Molly

This morning I noticed that my black molly was not eating when I was feeding the fish and on further inspection I noticed that his scales are sticking out. This is an indication of a condition called Dropsy. Not sure what caused it. The Internet lists possible causes as poor water conditions, poor diet, bacterial and some viral infections. I did a water test and the results were fine, but to be on the safe side I did a water change. Unfortunately Dropsy is usually fatal as it an indication of swollen internal organs. It is not contagious, but the cause of the infection could be. So it looks like I will be removing a dead fish from the tank in the next day or two. Because both L and I like the black molly, it will be replaced as soon as the tank has settled down with the other new occupants.