HELP!!! Guppy with DROPSY what to do???

does anyone know of an informational campaign on the proper keeping of fish? Most people, myself included, dont know much about how to do this properly. Same with MOST things in life, when you know better, you do better. We should try to get the word out when people are even THINKING about starting up a tank, not bash those who may have started wrong but want help in doing things the right way. I guess thats why so many people hate the big box pet stores, they really are just out to make money. :(
 
Therein lies the flawed logic. I worked at Petsmart for some time, and found every one of my co-workers was knowledgable at keeping aquaria. My issue lies with the questions never being asked, the books never being bought, and the internet never being utilized... until your fish are DYING. This site alone tells you everything you need to know to do it right, and the majority of what you need to know to do it *pristine*. So the excuse of "they didn't help me" is tempered by the would-be tank keeper's lack of asking for that help. There are plenty of people who post here about "How do I start a tank?" or "What fish will get along in my 10 gallon?" Those posts urk me oh so very slightly because there is always google to research fish, but at least those people are asking before they buy.
 
I made a similar mistake when I got my first tank. I had way too many fish in it and 7 out of 10 died. I began studying online and in books so I could avoid many new aquarist mistakes then I decided to use my webdesign skills to create a website that would help a new aquarist find answers they need to get started in the hobby. Feel free to checkout my site in my signature. Oh and the 3 fish that survived my overstalking were a male silver molly and 2 scissor tail rasboras.
 
Goatman said:
I worked at Petsmart for some time, and found every one of my co-workers was knowledgable at keeping aquaria.
Click to expand...
LOL! Maybe at your big box they know about fish. I bought a 29-gallon tank, stand and filter all together at Pet Supermarket a couple years ago (different chain, I know). They gave me a $10 gift card to get fish with and encouraged me to go home, set up the tank, then come back and get fish THE SAME DAY. When I said I'd wait until the tank was cycled before adding fish, they looked at me like I was speaking some African clicking language. If these are the people beginning aquarists are getting their initial information from, it's no wonder there's so many "obvious-answer" questions asked here. Hide your frustration a little better — if they're here and asking, at least they're trying. Don't slam them until they prove they want to remain ignorant.
 
Fortunately that is the minority. I've never worked for any place that encouraged such retarded practices. The problem is not that questions are getting asked. The problem is that the questions are being asked for the first time after the tank is set up, fully stocked, and the fish are dying. Logic dictates you know how to take care of a pet before you purchase the pet. If you get a dog, you know you need food, collar and leash. If you get a cat you know you need a litter box and food. Why are fish the only pets that people seem to assume you can literally "Just Add Water?"
 
Goatman said:
Fortunately that is the minority. I've never worked for any place that encouraged such retarded practices. The problem is not that questions are getting asked. The problem is that the questions are being asked for the first time after the tank is set up, fully stocked, and the fish are dying. Logic dictates you know how to take care of a pet before you purchase the pet. If you get a dog, you know you need food, collar and leash. If you get a cat you know you need a litter box and food. Why are fish the only pets that people seem to assume you can literally "Just Add Water?"
Click to expand...

I am not going to sit here and bash anybody, but I have to say this, after reading all of your posts you are correct in some aspects, but you are also wrong! When I started my tank, I bought every book and did all of kinds of research and know what?!? Not one of those books talked in depth of "cycling a tank" or "which place encouraged retarded practices", and I learned about cycling from my neighbor! And unfortunately not every single petsmart, petco, or any other LFS is as fortunate to have such an educated and well rounded employee such as yourself! Let me ask you this....have you ever made a mistake? I've kept tanks for over 5 yrs. now and I still make mistakes...everybody makes mistakes.

That would almost be like me asking you to come to my house and educate me on my Boxers (dogs). I know more about Boxers than you do, therefore I could educate you. Take your knowledge and educate people, but don't do it so offensively that you make people think badly of this forum! And like I said I am not trying to bash you or say anything bad about you, b/c one day you may have the answer to a question I have.

Either way, the point is this, she is simply asking for help and that is it. So, offer the help and don't be so judgemental towards her. You work for a Petsmart and your employees are knowledgable in the regards to aquaria, perhaps the LFS where she bought her fish are more knowledgable in the regards of dogs, rabbits, or cats. I know that the LFS (which by the way is a Petsmart) doesn't know jack when it comes to aquariums or fishkeeping!
 
Last edited:
Very well said CJC, I lost $75.00 worth of SW fish at the advice of my LFS. I even asked about letting the tank run a while before adding fish and was told that the books will tell you that but it is not neccesary. Most LFS are after your money that's it. Rarely you will find some who actually care what happens to the animals. The reason for the forums and especially the "newbie forum" is for people to come and ask questions and get advice on things they need help with. If all they get is told how stupid they are then they will stop posting questions and not get the help they are looking for and in the process continue to make further mistakes that cost fish their lives.
 
Web, Monkey, CJC, and kmgriff, thank you guys so much for making me feel like it's okay to be human. I have read alot of posts on here during the past couple of weeks that were less than nice, and was beginning to think that this would be the last day I would visit this forum, which would be a shame. I know there are alot of knowledgible people on here, but a few rotten ones can surely spoil the bunch. Thanks to you I will stick around. I do so want my tank to thrive and be healthy. I hope one day I may be able to help someone who has had some similar problems such as mine. That IS what the newbie forum is for. Not for someone who likes to belittle people while sitting behind a keyboard. Thanks again!
 
BTW, I forgot to mention that I did add some bio balls to the tank this past weekend, did a 30% water change and cleaned my gravel. My ammonia levels are starting to fall, and my fish look very lively and happy. The fish that I thought had dropsy, perhaps does not. She looks like she has taken a turn for the better. She never had all of her scales protruding, only a few that were under her belly. I'm pretty sure she's pregnant, so maybe that's what's causing her scales to protrude? I will continue to watch her closely and let you all know. And my two fish that are getting treatment for fungus are doing great! The tail rot seems to have stopped on my guppy, so hopefully he'll make a full recovery also. Thanks again for all your POSITIVE encouragement!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom