under developed swim bladder

[Guest chrisgeo]

• * Ammonia Level 0
  
• * Nitrite Level 0
  
• * Nitrate level 20 ppm
  
• * Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines) 7.2 oh other unknown
  
• * Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)
  Other Required Info:
  
• * Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops? api
  
• * Water temperature?78
  
• * Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?55 us gal. running over a year
  
• * What is the name and "size of the filter"(s)?marine land power filter 150 gph
  
• * How often do you change the water and how much? weekly 20%
  

• * How many days ago was the last water change and how much did you change? 5
  
• * How many fish in the tank and their size? 4 approx 2" 2 telescopes 1 blackmoor 1 oranda
  
• * What kind of water additives or conditioners prime
  
• * What do you feed your fish and how often? daily medium sinking crumble, peas or brocolli every two days
  
• * Any new fish added to the tank? no
  
• * Any medications added to the tank?no
  
• * List entire medication/treatment history for fish and tank. Please include salt, Prazi, PP, etc and the approximate time and duration of treatment. treated for parasites about two months ago using Praziquantel also used salt treatment for first few months after fish purchased
  
• * Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus? not currently
  
• * Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.? one fish always stays at top of the water
  

Hello I am new to kokos although I have followed several posts as a non-member. I have been keeping fish of various varieties on and off for about 20 years. In all my experience I have never had this problem. I have one telescope that appeared healthy when I got him (call it a him but can't really tell) but for about 4 months now looks rather sickly. Listless, thin finned, frequently bent and always at the top of the water. Since none of my other fish show any symptoms I thought swim bladder, as a rule I have always included peas or broccoli as part of their diet but for this poor little guy it doesn't seem to help a bit. I have concluded that he has an abnormal swim bladder but would really appreciate any suggestions on other possible causes. Also if anyone else has had a fish with this condition I was wondering what they may have done to help it. I have never before considered euthanizing a fish however seeing how this poor guy is suffering I have considered it. My last question is what would be the life expectancy of a fish with an under developed or abnormal swim bladder. I thank all in advanced for any help.

[koko 14,364]

One suggestion for you. Brocolli we found causes gas in goldfish, which will result in SBD Peas and Green Beans are alot better for them

Also I noticed your filtration is alittle on the low side, it is highly suggested to have your tank filtering 10x an hour

[dnalex 13,633]

Welcome

In addition to what Koko has suggested, I think it's a good idea to increase your water change volume to at least 50% at a time. This will become even more necessary as the fish get bigger.

Is there any chance we can see a video of this behavior?

[Guest chrisgeo]

Thanks for the replies

i know my filtration rate is a bit low. Will be upgrading as soon as my wallet allows.

I will try to get some video but will have to shoot with me phone so the resolution won't be ideal.

[koko 14,364]

Thanks for the replies

i know my filtration rate is a bit low. Will be upgrading as soon as my wallet allows.

In the mean time increase the amount of water you change. This will help. Also try to feed them some unsalted green beans (like from a can)

[amynmitchell 61]

I also find that blanched spinach realy helps with my fish.

[Guest chrisgeo]

here is a link to the video. i'll note that the fish swam deeper into the tank than he normally does. the behavior i was referring to is when is tail fin goes limp and he floats. he also flips over in this video but then rights himself. there are occasions where he will spend a long time upside down or float with his tail bent for an hour or more.

[koko 14,364]

Do you have another tank. Something smaller. Hes such a tiny thing and seeing how he is swimming, it looks to me like the eyes are heavy and his really gassy. So if you could have a container that would be about 10 gallon tank with a small filter. Also I would suggest in there, dont feed for a day, then feed just one green bean for him for the day.

He surely is very small

[tithra 4,917]

Any updates on Odie?