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 Hi Christy,
I have three 2-3 inch lionhead goldfish in my 30 gallon.I have recently noticed that my smallest one has been having trouble swimming to the surface of my aquarium.It spends most of its time at the bottom.It still has a good appetite.Its stomach looks a tad bit swollen though and I haven't seen her pooping.She tends to,along with swimming mainly on the bottom,swim slanted.Shes not big enough to breed so I doubt shes eggbound.I have recently moved and had to put my lions in a small ten gallon tank for several days while I worked on setting up my aquarium again so the water quality in the ten gallon couldn't of been very good I did several water changes on it though.After I noticed she was swimming awkwardly I tried feeding her some peas but it hasn't seemed to help.Is my fish suffering from a bacterial infection of the swim bladder or is she just constipated? what should I do to treat her? any suggestions will help.thanks
Answer Hi Joana
First check the water quality, make sure the ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm, and nitrates under 20 ppm. I've been reading the last year or so, that high nitrate levels can contribute to swim bladder issues.
Continue with the inside of a pea for a few days, nothing else. If the fish is big enough to eat at least half of the pea, you can stick a grain of epsom salt in the pea as well.
You can also try an epsom salt bath. Easiest way to do it, empty some tank water into a bucket-at least a gallon of water, and dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of epsom salt in that bucket. Let the fish swim around in there for about 30 minutes, then put back in the tank.
Make sure you're feeding the fish a varied diet during the week as well. Pellet or flake food along with some brine shrimp and blood worms(I use the frozen kind for both, just thaw first in a bowl with tank water), feed a pea or other veggies at least once or twice a week, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, spirulina flakes, etc.
Try those suggestions and let me know if it doesn't work. Good luck!
