Hello,

Swim Bladder Disease affects a fish's swim bladder which is the organ that helps in maintaining a fish's ability to balance and swim in a normal position. When it becomes blocked up or too full of air it stops functioning properly.

This can be a result of water quality, over feeding dry foods or a Bacterial infection. Poor water quality can play a major issue contributing to the Swim Bladder problem. The first step to helping is to check your water quality. The Ammonia should be 0, Nitrites 0 and the Nitrates 20 ppm or less. You should have a test kit to check the levels.

We can try some first aid to help the fish with these measures.

First do a 3/4 water change and be sure to add some de-chlorinator or use bottle Spring water for replacement.

Next please feed a couple of frozen peas in which the shell has been removed. You will need to be sure you crush the peas for the fish. This helps the stool to pass and will sometimes help to relieve the problem.

I also suggest using aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon of the salt per gallon of water. The Salt helps to draw out fluids that can cause swelling in the swim bladder disease.

These are a couple of links that give you information about swim bladder disease: http://www.netpets.org/fish/reference/freshref/swimbldr.html

http://www.fishfriend.com/articles/the_swim_bladder_disease.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/article/364175/swim_bladder_disease_in_goldfish_how.html?cat=53

There are some other methods of treating swim bladder which has to do with reducing the amount of water in the tank which helps to decompress the swim bladder, but I would only use that as a last resort.

This link will help you locate Fish Vets if the treatment does not help: http://www.koivet.com/a_fishvets.html

Joan

Hello,

All we are doing is changing the water and adding aquarium salt, to help draw out any fluids in the abdomen. The water changes are a must as well as good filtration. The green peas help with constipation. There is no medicating, just making sure the water quality is good by running water tests, and making sure the Ammonia is at 0, the Nitrites 0 and the Nitrates 20ppm or less. This will help so partial water changes will help. All you have to do tonight is a partial water change and start the aquarium salt tomorrow with a new filter and partial water change. Get the test kit to monitor the water quality and feed the shelled crushed peas one a day. This should help the fish to get better. Water quality can affect the fish, negatively if not kept properly. Joan