Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => The Emergency Room => Topic started by: Greeny on September 11, 2013, 05:17:59 PM

Title: Fish on its side at the surface unable to swim down
Post by: Greeny on September 11, 2013, 05:17:59 PM
I have a bleeding heart tetra that for a couple of days was unable to swim straight and level I guess due to its swim bladder. It was at least mobile then but now I think its so buoyant that it can't even swim off the surface. Is there anything I can do?

The tank has been going for several years and its a 125ltr tank which isn't overstocked.

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Fish on its side at the surface unable to swim down
Post by: jesnon on September 11, 2013, 09:15:10 PM
Apparently that can sometimes happen due to constipation so it might be worth feeding peas. Hopefully someone else will offer better advice!
Title: Re: Fish on its side at the surface unable to swim down
Post by: daniel_james_taylor on September 11, 2013, 09:19:27 PM
Hi,

Im sorry to hear about your tetra. I've had experience of goldfish with similar trouble so treated for swim bladder.

This is what I did for my gold fish :

Setup an isolation tank in a quiet area of the house with dark gravel, Elodea Crispa plants and a very simple filter (no carbon). You would need a heater too as the tetra is tropical.
Added swim bladder treatment as per instructions on the bottle
I did regular water tests and water changes when required.
He spent 2 weeks in isolation before returning to the main aquarium.

Im no expert on fish health etc however I hope this advice may help.