{"id":1302,"date":"2021-09-19T15:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-19T15:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/?p=1302"},"modified":"2023-12-22T07:42:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T07:42:25","slug":"swim-bladder-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/swim-bladder-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Causes, Symptoms &#038; Treatment Of Swim Bladder Disease In Fish"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/002-swim-bladder-disease-top-image-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Swim Bladder Disease\" class=\"wp-image-4152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/002-swim-bladder-disease-top-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/002-swim-bladder-disease-top-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/002-swim-bladder-disease-top-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/002-swim-bladder-disease-top-image.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on what I have learned over the years, I\u2019ve put together all the information you need to help you diagnose and treat your pet fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve successfully treated swim bladder disease in the past and done a step-by-step treatment plan below, so your fishy pal can get back to full health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc is-style-rounded htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-bulleted\" data-htoc-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-what-is-a-swim-bladder\">What Is a Swim Bladder?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-swim-bladder-disease\">What Is Swim Bladder Disease?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#is-swim-bladder-disease-contagious\">Is Swim Bladder Disease Contagious?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#symptoms-of-swim-bladder-disease\">Symptoms of Swim Bladder Disease<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-positive-buoyancy-disorder\">1. Positive Buoyancy Disorder<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-negative-buoyancy-disorder\">2. Negative Buoyancy Disorder<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#causes-of-swim-bladder-disease\">Causes of Swim Bladder Disease<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-prevent-swim-bladder-disease\">How to Prevent Swim Bladder Disease<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#treatment-for-swim-bladder-disease\">Treatment For Swim Bladder Disease<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-hospital-quarantine-tank\">Hospital \/ Quarantine Tank<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-fasting\">Fasting<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-frozen-peas\">Frozen Peas<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-infections\">Infections<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-epsom-salts\">Epsom Salts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-negative-buoyancy-disorder1\">Negative Buoyancy Disorder<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-positive-buoyancy-disorder1\">Positive Buoyancy Disorder<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#find-a-fish-vet-near-me\">Find a Fish Vet Near Me<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-what-is-a-swim-bladder\">What Is a Swim Bladder?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1732\" style=\"width:300px;height:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Swim-Bladder-Inflation.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Swim bladder illustration<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A swim bladder is a balloon like organ that boney fish use to control their buoyancy. It enables them to navigate up and down the water column and remain balanced and stable. They can inflate their swim bladder to go to the water&#8217;s surface or deflate their swim bladder if they want to go deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fish come under 2 categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1: Physostomous fish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fish like <a href=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/types-of-goldfish\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8502\" data-lasso-id=\"32\">Goldfish<\/a>, Catfish, and Koi have a pneumatic duct that connects their throat to their swim bladder. These fish can fill or empty their swim bladders by gulping or expelling air at the water&#8217;s surface. They can also empty their swim bladder beneath the water by &#8220;burping&#8221; the air out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2: Physoclistous fish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fish such as cichlids have a complex network of blood vessels called the vascular rete. These fish can pull gases from their blood and into their swim bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is of course the odd \u2018exception to the rule\u2019 such as the Longnose Hawkfish, for example, that doesn\u2019t have a swim bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-swim-bladder-disease\">What Is Swim Bladder Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swim bladder disease is not actually a disease, it&#8217;s a disorder where your fish&#8217;s swim bladder does not function as it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the condition is most common in <a href=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/small-goldfish-types\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4570\" data-lasso-id=\"33\">Fancy Goldfish<\/a> and Betta Fish, any breed of fish that has a swim bladder can get swim bladder disorder.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-swim-bladder-disease-contagious\">Is Swim Bladder Disease Contagious?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Well&#8230;it depends, SBD itself isn\u2019t contagious, but the underlying condition that is causing it could be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it\u2019s caused by diet, water quality, or trauma, then no it\u2019s not contagious.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your fish has an internal parasite or bacterial infection, then yes it could be contagious and it\u2019s advisable to put the affected fish into a quarantine tank as soon as possible to avoid it spreading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"symptoms-of-swim-bladder-disease\">Symptoms of Swim Bladder Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many symptoms of swim bladder disorder and it can be difficult to diagnose. Keep a close eye on your fish and watch for them showing any of the following symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-positive-buoyancy-disorder\">1. Positive Buoyancy Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder--300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder--300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder--1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder--150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder--768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Positive-Buoyancy-Disorder-.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Positive Buoyancy Disorder Example<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You will find your fish appears to be stuck at the water&#8217;s surface, unable to get back underwater properly. When the fish floats on the surface and part of their skin is exposed to the air, damage will occur to their protective mucus barrier, which will eventually lead to ulcerations and infection of the exposed skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-negative-buoyancy-disorder\">2. Negative Buoyancy Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Negative-Buoyancy-Disorder.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Negative Buoyancy Disorder Example<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your fish will appear to be stuck at the bottom of your tank, struggling to get to the water&#8217;s surface. Again, this can cause ulcerations and infections to their skin if it is rubbed against the sand or substrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can help avoid infection by replacing your substrate with smooth glass beads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A swollen belly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being unable to swim upright&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appearing unbalanced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floating upside down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trying hard to swim but not moving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"causes-of-swim-bladder-disease\">Causes of Swim Bladder Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#7cdfd4\"><strong>The No.1 cause of swim bladder disorder is poor water quality.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another major cause is if your fish eats greedily at the surface it can gulp in a lot of excess air with its food. This air can go into their swim bladder causing it to overinflate, leaving your fish floating at the top of their tank. This is typical for Fancy Goldfish but should correct itself within a couple of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bacterial or parasitic infection due to poor aquarium water quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compression from tumors, cysts on the kidneys, or fatty deposits on the liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defect at birth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deformation of the spine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egg binding if your fish is female<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overfeeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical injury trauma. Is your fish being bullied by one of their tankmates or maybe tried their best Harry Houdini impression by jumping out of the tank and landing on the floor?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stress due to poor water quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water temperature is too low. This can slow the digestive process which makes the stomach expand and compress the swim bladder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-prevent-swim-bladder-disease\">How to Prevent Swim Bladder Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since following these 2 basic steps I\u2019ve had a huge reduction in swim bladder disorders with my own fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-1-water-parameters\">1: Water Parameters <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes without saying to make sure the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are at the correct levels by using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/API-FRESHWATER-800-Test-Freshwater-Aquarium\/dp\/B000255NCI?tag=aquaristgeek-20&#038;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"34\" data-lasso-name=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\">reliable water test kit<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tetra-19544-EasyStrips-Complete-25-Count\/dp\/B0053PQL8M?tag=aquaristgeek-20&#038;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"35\" data-lasso-name=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\">strips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My no.1 go-to testing kit is the API Freshwater Master Test Kit, it&#8217;s the most accurate and reliable kit around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliate-plugin-lasso\"><div id=\"lasso-anchor-id-8871-2867\" class=\"lasso-container\">\n    <!-- LASSO DISPLAY BOX (https:\/\/getlasso.co) -->\n\t<div class=\"lasso-display lasso-splash lasso-url-amzn-api-freshwater-master-test-kit-800-test-freshwater-aquarium-water-master-test-kit-white-single-multi-colored \">\n\n\t\t<!-- BADGE -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-badge\">\n\t\t\t\tMost Accurate Kit\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<!-- LASSO TITLE, PRICE, DESC, AND IMAGE -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-1\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-image\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B000255NCI\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8871\" data-lasso-name=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" title=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/41ELGN5AyL._SL500_.webp\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<!-- BUTTONS -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-title\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B000255NCI\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8871\" data-lasso-name=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" title=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAPI FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-stars\" style=\"--rating: 4.7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lasso-stars-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.7\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"discount-price\"><strike>$50.48<\/strike><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"latest-price\">$34.05<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"lasso-amazon-prime\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The API freshwater test kit offers outstanding value (over 800 tests!) and is very accurate, if you're serious about fishkeeping this is the best test kit to buy and the only one I use.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-fields\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-pros lasso-fields-2\">\n\t\t<strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Includes 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card, and 4 tubes with caps.<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Performs over 800 tests.<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Accurately monitors the 5 most vital water parameter levels in freshwater aquariums: pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Helps monitor water quality and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and cause fish loss.<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-cons lasso-fields-3\">\n\t\t<strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>More time consuming than test strips<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-button-1\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B000255NCI\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8871\" data-lasso-name=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" title=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\tBuy On Amazon\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-button-2\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lvDVh\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fapi-freshwater-aquarium-master-test%2Fdp%2F121954\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8871\" data-lasso-name=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" title=\"API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT\" data-lasso-button=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t\tBuy On Chewy\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-disclosure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no additional cost to yourself.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t04\/25\/2024 03:02 am GMT <i class=\"lasso-amazon-info\" data-tooltip=\"Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-global-color-10-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-global-color-10-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliate-plugin-lasso\"><div id=\"lasso-anchor-id-9187-2868\" class=\"lasso-container\">\n    <!-- LASSO DISPLAY BOX (https:\/\/getlasso.co) -->\n\t<div class=\"lasso-display lasso-splash lasso-url-amzn-tetra-easystrips-complete-kit-25-6-in1-testing-strips-and-25-ammonia-testing-strips \">\n\n\t\t<!-- BADGE -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-badge\">\n\t\t\t\tQuick & Easy\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<!-- LASSO TITLE, PRICE, DESC, AND IMAGE -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-1\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-image\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0053PQL8M?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9187\" data-lasso-name=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" title=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/51fSGg3fQyL._SL500_.webp\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<!-- BUTTONS -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-title\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0053PQL8M?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9187\" data-lasso-name=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" title=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-stars\" style=\"--rating: 4.5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lasso-stars-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.5\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"discount-price\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"latest-price\">$13.49<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"lasso-amazon-prime\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Tetra test strips are quick &amp; easy to use and measure all the vital water parameters that you need to monitor to keep your fish safe, but it can be difficult to read the colors, making them less accurate than the API water test kit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-fields\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-pros lasso-fields-2\">\n\t\t<strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Quick and easy - 60 seconds and you have your results<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Measures ammonia (separate test strip), nitrates, nitrites, water hardness, chlorine, alkalinity, and pH levels<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-cons lasso-fields-3\">\n\t\t<strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>Not as accurate as API water test kit<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>Colors difficult to read<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-button-1\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0053PQL8M?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9187\" data-lasso-name=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" title=\"25 TETRA EASYSTRIPS - 6 IN 1 TEST STRIPS, PLUS 25 AMMONIA TEST STRIPS\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\tBuy on Amazon\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-disclosure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no additional cost to yourself.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t04\/25\/2024 05:06 am GMT <i class=\"lasso-amazon-info\" data-tooltip=\"Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping the water at the correct temperature helps to aid the digestion process and avoid constipation. Nobody enjoys that bunged-up feeling!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your filter is working and you have enough surface agitation which allows for harmful gases to escape and keeps your water oxygenated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-2-diet\">2: Diet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Feed your fish high quality food that sinks in the water. This prevents your fish from gulping in excess air at the surface and overinflating their swim bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soak their food in water before adding it to the tank. This will allow the food to expand before your fish eats it, rather than it expanding in their stomach and causing constipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t overfeed your fish. If your fish eats too much food, their stomach may swell and compress the swim bladder. Any leftover food that isn\u2019t eaten or removed will eventually rot and cause your water parameters to spike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve done some <a href=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/what-can-you-feed-fish-instead-of-fish-food\/\" data-lasso-id=\"36\">homemade sinking food recipes<\/a>, that your fish will gobble up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"treatment-for-swim-bladder-disease\">Treatment For Swim Bladder Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1736\" style=\"width:300px;height:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Treatment.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Treatment For SBD<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s always advisable to consult your local vet, who can identify the root cause of the problem so that the correct treatment can be applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have left links at the end of this post for how you can find a specialist aquatic vet in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various home treatments you can try for swim bladder disorder, but it can take a bit of detective work to figure out what is causing the problem in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First up, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve guessed, check your water parameters are good as mentioned above in the prevention section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-hospital-quarantine-tank\">Hospital \/ Quarantine Tank<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a community tank, moving the affected fish to a quarantine\/hospital tank may be best. This allows you to monitor and treat the fish separately and gives your fish a bit of time to rest and recuperate, we all need a little R &amp; R occasionally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tetra <a data-lasso-id=\"37\" data-lasso-name=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tetra-Glass-Aquarium-Gallons-Rectangular\/dp\/B08BJBYB4S?tag=aquaristgeek-20&#038;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">5 1\/2 gallon tank<\/a> is a great hospital\/quarantine tank for smaller fish. I always use a smaller tank for medicating fish, as medication can be expensive and if you have a larger tank containing more water you&#8217;ll need to use more medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliate-plugin-lasso\"><div id=\"lasso-anchor-id-9189-2869\" class=\"lasso-container\">\n    <!-- LASSO DISPLAY BOX (https:\/\/getlasso.co) -->\n\t<div class=\"lasso-display lasso-splash lasso-url-amzn-tetra-glass-aquarium-5-5-gallons-rectangular-fish-tank \">\n\n\t\t<!-- BADGE -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-badge\">\n\t\t\t\tQuality Small Tank\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<!-- LASSO TITLE, PRICE, DESC, AND IMAGE -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-1\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-image\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08BJBYB4S?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9189\" data-lasso-name=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" title=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/31fBH8bmTlL._SL500_.webp\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<!-- BUTTONS -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-title\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08BJBYB4S?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9189\" data-lasso-name=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" title=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-stars\" style=\"--rating: 4.6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lasso-stars-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.6\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"discount-price\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"latest-price\">$42.49<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"lasso-amazon-prime\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Tetra 5.5 gallon aquarium is a great no-frills tank that makes an excellent quarantine\/hospital tank for treating sick fish.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-fields\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"lasso-fields-single\">\n\t<strong>Dimensions in Inches (L x W x H):<\/strong>\n\t16 x 8 x 10<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-pros lasso-fields-2\">\n\t\t<strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>High quality<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Compatible Tetra accessories available (filtration, heating, lighting etc).<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Well packaged<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Available in 3 other sizes<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-cons lasso-fields-3\">\n\t\t<strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>Silicone could be neater<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>No accessories included<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-button-1\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08BJBYB4S?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"9189\" data-lasso-name=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" title=\"TETRA 5.5 GALLON GLASS AQUARIUM\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\tBuy on Amazon\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-disclosure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no additional cost to yourself.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t04\/25\/2024 04:47 am GMT <i class=\"lasso-amazon-info\" data-tooltip=\"Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-fasting\">Fasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You could try fasting your fish for 2-3 days. Doing so will help excess gas work its way out of the fish&#8217;s digestive system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-frozen-peas\">Frozen Peas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll see many people online suggesting this as a miracle cure for swim bladder disease. The theory is that the peas act as a mild laxative and get your fish &#8216;moving&#8217; again and this helps to get rid of the excess air trapped inside your fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the thing, because the peas sink in the water, you are feeding your fish a \u2018sinking diet\u2019 which stops them from taking in excess air at the water\u2019s surface when they eat food that floats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So although it appears peas are a miracle cure, it\u2019s more than likely the fact that your fish isn\u2019t gulping down excess air that\u2019s helping the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do try the pea method please bear in mind it\u2019s only a <strong>short-term solution that should only be used for 2-3 days and 1 or 2 peas per day<\/strong> should be enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you warm the peas first, then remove the outer shell (as fish can&#8217;t digest it), and mush the peas up a bit so they are in smaller chunks making them easier to eat. You may need to hold the peas in front of your fish&#8217;s mouth if they&#8217;re having difficulty moving about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-infections\">Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If it&#8217;s a parasitic or bacterial infection, there are products available to add to the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parasitic infections can be treated with an anti-parasitic agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-epsom-salts\">Epsom Salts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliate-plugin-lasso\"><div id=\"lasso-anchor-id-8900-2870\" class=\"lasso-container\">\n    <!-- LASSO DISPLAY BOX (https:\/\/getlasso.co) -->\n\t<div class=\"lasso-display lasso-splash lasso-url-amzn-epsoak-epsom-salt-5-lb-resealable-bulk-bag-magnesium-sulfate-usp-unscented-made-in-the-usa-cruelty-free-certified \">\n\n\t\t<!-- BADGE -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-badge\">\n\t\t\t\tFish Health\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<!-- LASSO TITLE, PRICE, DESC, AND IMAGE -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-1\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-image\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B004N79BYC\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8900\" data-lasso-name=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" title=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/41Q1sx3nh0L._SL500_.webp\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<!-- BUTTONS -->\n\t\t<div class=\"lasso-box-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-title\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B004N79BYC\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8900\" data-lasso-name=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" title=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-stars\" style=\"--rating: 4.8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lasso-stars-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-price-value\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"discount-price\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"latest-price\">$14.99 ($0.19 \/ Ounce)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"lasso-amazon-prime\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Unscented Epsom salts are an effective natural treatment for swim bladder disease, dropsy &amp; popeye.<\/p><p>They act as a relaxant and mild laxative, helping to get your fish back to full health.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-fields\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-pros lasso-fields-2\">\n\t\t<strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Pure unscented USP grade Magnesium Sulfate<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Dissolves easily<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>GMO free<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Certified cruelty free<\/li><li><span class=\"lasso-check\"><span class=\"lasso-check-content\"><\/span><\/span>Made in USA<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"lasso-fields-cons lasso-fields-3\">\n\t\t<strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n\t\t<ul><li><span class=\"lasso-x\"><span class=\"lasso-x-1\"><\/span><span class=\"lasso-x-2\"><\/span><\/span>Bag can be difficult to re-seal<\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"lasso-button-1\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B004N79BYC\/?tag=aquaristgeek-20\" data-lasso-box-trackable=\"true\" data-lasso-id=\"8900\" data-lasso-name=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" title=\"EPSOAK PURE MAGNESIUM SULFATE - 5 LB RESEALABLE BAG\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">\n\t\t\t\tBuy Now\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-disclosure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no additional cost to yourself. If you buy through my link - Thank you \ud83d\ude0a<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lasso-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t04\/25\/2024 04:53 am GMT <i class=\"lasso-amazon-info\" data-tooltip=\"Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the name, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Epsoak-Epsom-Salt-Magnesium-Sulfate\/dp\/B00B7QEBHE?keywords=epsoak+epsom+salt&amp;qid=1680009728&amp;sr=8-8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aquaristgeek-20&amp;linkId=ef8eb5f9abecf36945626d464ca272e6&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"38\">Epsom Salts<\/a> aren\u2019t salt, it\u2019s actually magnesium sulfate. Giving your fish an Epsom Salt bath acts as a muscle relaxant, laxative and reduces swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#7cdfd4\"><strong>Make sure when you buy Epsom Salts that you check the ingredients list and that it is 100% Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) and there are no added fragrances etc as these can harm your fish.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have successfully used Epsom Salt baths to treat SBD in the past. I will share with you the method and quantities I used, but please bear in mind I am not a qualified vet, so it\u2019s always advisable to contact a qualified vet before trying home treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Transfer water from your fish tank into a separate treatment tank or container.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure the temperature is the same in your treatment tank and fish tank so that it doesn\u2019t cause shock\/stress to your fish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add 1 level tablespoon (15 grams approx) of Epsom Salts per 1 US gallon of water.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dissolve the Epsom Salts fully in the treatment tank water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add your fish to the treatment tank for 15 minutes (use a timer!).&nbsp; Keep an eye on your fish as they can get a little stressed out at first and try to jump out of the treatment tank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove the fish from the treatment tank and add it back into your fish tank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor your fish to see if there are any improvements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat steps 1-6, once per day until you see an improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t see any improvement within a few days contact a veterinarian as there may be a serious underlying problem that needs specialist treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-negative-buoyancy-disorder1\">Negative Buoyancy Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For some fish with negative buoyancy disorder, it may be that this is just how they\u2019ll be all of their life. However, they can still live a full and happy life with a couple of small tweaks to their tank.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should either completely remove the substrate or replace it with smooth glass stones. This will prevent your fish from picking up infections from rubbing against a rough surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any decorations, these should also have a smooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please don&#8217;t attempt to attach a fish floatation device yourself (even if you&#8217;ve watched a YouTube video 10 times and think you&#8217;re an expert!), as it can easily damage the fish&#8217;s protective mucus layer, causing ulcerations and infection. This procedure should only be done by a qualified vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-positive-buoyancy-disorder1\">Positive Buoyancy Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, feeding your fish a high-quality \u2018sinking diet\u2019 can be an effective positive buoyancy disorder treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this doesn\u2019t correct the issue, contact your local fish vet who may be able to operate to remove the excess air from your fish\u2019s swim bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find-a-fish-vet-near-me\">Find a Fish Vet Near Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to seek veterinary advice you can find a specialist aquatic vet in your area using the links below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>USA &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/fishvets.org\/find-a-fish-vet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"39\">https:\/\/fishvets.org\/find-a-fish-vet\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wavma.org\/find-a-fish-vet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"40\">https:\/\/www.wavma.org\/find-a-fish-vet<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know all about swim bladder disease, I hope I\u2019ve put your mind at ease and you can go about getting your fish back to full health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/aquarium-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"41\">Aquarium Health section<\/a> for more guides just like this one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like most people in the fishkeeping hobby, I\u2019ve had to deal with swim bladder disease a few times. I know all too well the awful feeling of seeing your fish floating at the water\u2019s surface and thinking it may have died.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1801,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[12],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1302"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9196,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302\/revisions\/9196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaristgeek.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}