About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question We have a large gold fish (serassa) that seems to have an air bladder problem..... she cannot stay upright.... is there something that we can give her to correct this...
Answer Hi Diana
First try checking your nitrate levels. High nitrates can cause swim bladder problems. Nitrates you want to keep under 20 ppm, which is best achieved(usually) through frequent partial water changes-the amount being changed will depend on the tank size. I usually recommend for a normal stocked tank, 25% weekly water changes along with a gravel vacuum done weekly.
If those are off, a lot of times just correcting that will resolve the siwm bladder issue.
Another possibility is temperature fluctuations-like when you do a water change. Make sure the temp is very close in the new water and the tank water.
Another, is constipation. Try feeding a pea to the fish, if it's large enough you can split a pea open so it gets the inside. If not, just a few pieces of the inside for it to eat. Do this for a few days and see if it helps. If so, just incorporate a pea into the diet at least once or twice a week. Also give some thought to varying up the diet during the week with other foods instead of flakes/pellets.
