Q&A for How to Fix Swim Bladder Disease in Goldfish

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  • Question
    Can you use salt to cure swim bladder disease?
    Craig Morton
    Fish & Aquarium Specialist
    Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance.
    Fish & Aquarium Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, just add two teaspoons each of non-iodized salt and Epsom salt per gallon to the tank.
  • Question
    My fish is swimming on a tilt. What is going on?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This certainly sounds like swim bladder disease, so follow the steps above.
  • Question
    Should I feed it frozen peas or cooked peas?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Defrosted frozen peas are fine as long as they are lightly cooked before feeding to the fish.
  • Question
    Why is my goldfish lying at the bottom of the tank?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    While it's possible the goldfish is sleeping, there are other causes to be aware of. Your goldfish may be sick and dealing with poor water quality, or a water temperature that is too hot or cold. Your fish could also just be bored. Fish like to explore their environment and interact with new things. If nothing has changed in a while, they will lose interest in their tank. Stress can also be a cause of this behavior, so consider if you have been feeding your fish properly or if it's being disturbed by loud noises or bright lights at night.
  • Question
    How do you treat dropsy in goldfish?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If you've noticed the symptoms early your fish is likely to survive. Take a look at How to Cure Goldfish Dropsy to determine how to best treat your fish.
  • Question
    Does the fish need to fast before starting the pea treatment?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to let them fast. You can put some peas in to see if they will eat it. If they don't, then you should let them fast for 2 - 3 days, then feed them peas again.
  • Question
    My goldfish tilts backwards when he eats. Should I be concerned?
    Community Answer
    As long as the fish isn't backwards all the time, then it should be fine.
  • Question
    My fish is completely upside down so I cannot feed it peas. Its bowel is huge. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    If you're sure it's swim bladder disease, make sure it has fasted for at least three days. From there, you might need to hand feed the fish. Wash your hands in some tank water (as in, just get a small bit and scrub your hands in it). Then put the skinned peas in your hand and softly create a flow to move the fish up. Normally the fish will respond and swim around your hand. Be patient and guide the peas to the fish's mouth -- it should eat out of habit.
  • Question
    Do frozen peas have to be cooked before feeding?
    Community Answer
    Typically, you should thaw the frozen peas. Thawed peas have a softer texture and are easier for your fish to chew. You could simply microwave the peas for 10-15 seconds and then remove the shell prior feeding it to your fish.
  • Question
    How long can a goldfish live if the disease is not treated?
    Community Answer
    If you don't treat the fish it won't live for more than up to a few weeks, as it would just get worse.
  • Question
    Why do goldfish bodies become white?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes that is normal because they are born with it. But if you have just noticed it, then that is still normal. It just means that your goldfish is growing old.
  • Question
    What might a red mark on my goldfish mean?
    Community Answer
    Red marks can be normal, like birth marks, or they may indicate a medical problem. Take your goldfish to your vet to find out.
  • Question
    I have two goldfish and they always swim at the bottom of the tank. Does this indicate swim bladder disease?
    Community Answer
    No. They probably just like to swim low. If they're upside down, though, that's another story.
  • Question
    Is sand safe for goldfish?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Goldfish enjoy rooting around in sand, and it can promote natural foraging behavior.
  • Question
    Can I treat my fan tail gold fish in the same tank as the rest of my fish?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. But if you prefer to treat him in a different tank for your convenience, you can do it as well. Treating your goldfish with the rest of your fish will prevent them from suffering from the disorder.
  • Question
    Do I feed the peas to my fish after the fasting period or during?
    Community Answer
    You feed the peas to your fish after letting it fast for three days.
  • Question
    Will these remedies work for pond fish too?
    Community Answer
    They should work the same if it's the same type of fish.
  • Question
    My goldfish won't swim around much, and it barely eats. I try to hand feed it, but it's too afraid of me. I don't see any other symptoms of swim bladder disease, but I just want to be safe.
    Emily Burley
    Community Answer
    I'd get them a friend, fish are sociable creatures and can even get depressed from living alone.
  • Question
    My betta refuses to eat the pea, what can I do?
    Tiffany Zhu
    Community Answer
    Skewer it with a toothpick and move it around. It may look like "prey" and your betta may attack. My betta fish chases anything that moves, including my fingers.
  • Question
    How do I stop my fish from floating?
    Community Answer
    You can try using a fish fin weight. It works similar to ankle weights for humans, just specifically made for fish.
  • Question
    My goldfish has swim bladder but will not eat the peas? It hasn't eaten in five days. Will it die?
    Community Answer
    Swim bladder issues are just symptoms of something else. It may or may not be indigestion. Peas only fix indigestion, not other issues. You can try to medicate the fish, and also make sure to fix the water quality.
  • Question
    Why is my fancy goldfish making bubbles?
    Community Answer
    If they are doing this nearer to the surface purposely, they may be making a nest for procreation. However, it may also be because of low oxygen levels.
  • Question
    Can I feed my fish canned peas?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as they are organic or they have similar qualities as frozen peas.
  • Question
    Why does the fish have red strands on its tail?
    Community Answer
    It could have been born like that and is quite likely to be normal. However, if there are other fish in the same tank, then it could be fish bites.
  • Question
    When the fish are bigger and stronger, does that mean that they have a lower chance of getting swim bladder disease?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    How do I warm the water?
    Community Answer
    Warm it using an aquarium heater that you can buy from your local pet supply store or online. You can set the temperature on the heater and it will warm the water to that temperature.
  • Question
    Should I feed my fish in the AM or PM?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter what time of day; you should just keep the time consistent every day.
  • Question
    Our fish is floating at the bottom and barely eating. What do you think is wrong with her?
    Community Answer
    This is another symptom of swim bladder disease. Follow the steps above, and consult a vet if there's no change.
  • Question
    My fish is swimming upside down and is bleeding from its side. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    If it is bleeding chances are it is going to die. But for hope of it surviving, put it in a hospital tank without any other fish. If there are no other fish currently with it then see if there are sharp decorations. It may be swimming upside down because of torn fins.
  • Question
    Can my tetra live without a filter for the few days it needs to fast?
    Community Answer
    Any fish can go without a filter -- this just means much more frequent water changes, such as 25% daily. Without a filter, the water shouldn’t be left unchanged for more than 3 days.
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