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

Yes, just add two teaspoons each of non-iodized salt and Epsom salt per gallon to the tank.

This certainly sounds like swim bladder disease, so follow the steps above.

Defrosted frozen peas are fine as long as they are lightly cooked before feeding to the fish.

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.

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.

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.

As long as the fish isn't backwards all the time, then it should be fine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Red marks can be normal, like birth marks, or they may indicate a medical problem. Take your goldfish to your vet to find out.

No. They probably just like to swim low. If they're upside down, though, that's another story.

Yes! Goldfish enjoy rooting around in sand, and it can promote natural foraging behavior.

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.

You feed the peas to your fish after letting it fast for three days.

They should work the same if it's the same type of fish.

I'd get them a friend, fish are sociable creatures and can even get depressed from living alone.

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.

You can try using a fish fin weight. It works similar to ankle weights for humans, just specifically made for fish.

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.

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.

Yes, as long as they are organic or they have similar qualities as frozen peas.

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.

No.

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.

It doesn't matter what time of day; you should just keep the time consistent every day.

This is another symptom of swim bladder disease. Follow the steps above, and consult a vet if there's no change.

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.

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.