Swim Bladder Disease (SBD)

[@T.J-and-Soul]

Good info mate. An aquatuc vet told me salt slows the metabolism and helps the slime coat which gives the fish more energy to focus on healing.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Nice video Dan, I really appreciate you giving your honest experience with swim bladder!! I haven't dealt with it yet but I do have bettas,so it's always good to know how other fish keepers deal with this problem just in case! Thanks for sharing hope you have a great weekend! 👍🌱🐟🌱

[@astatistic]

thank you. this has been the most comforting video..i've been going nuts trying to help my black skirt tetra who 'looks like his bum bum is sinking'. i did add salt which seemed to make him less stressed..i will reduce the amount water, that's a wonderful idea. thank you again for making a video about this.. always seems like every video is about cichlids or goldfish... no one talks about skirt tetras!

[@lulahbelle970]

Betta has lumps on sides. Still swims. Have fasted, changed water, tried salts/peas/medicine and still has lumps. Keep watching videos...

[@TarasTankFriends]

Hi Dan, I've had bad luck with it a couple times in bettas. One got bloated and I did daily epsom salt baths with a heater, fed shelled peas, etc, he did poop, but he only lasted about a week once it started. My other betta with it isn't bloated at all, but the swim bladder area itself is huge, and he floats at the surface and can't dive. I treated with 3 different antibiotics (not all at the same time), gram negative and positive, but nothing helps. I wonder if he actually has a tumor, which I've read can cause it too. He still has a great attitude though, and it's been months for him. It's hard watching them deal with this stuff. Thanks for sharing your experiences with sbd and making me feel a little better knowing that I'm not the only one who's never been able to beat it. 💙

[@Mwhbmnabjms]

Okay, sounds like ur tank is too deep for betta. The hip is broken swimming up n down. Betta live usually 6-8 inch water.

[@SuperFauxhawk]

Hi. Try feeding your fish gel food. I've ranchu goldfish and was troubled by the same issue. Quit feeding them pellets and have switched to homemade gel food ( since I can't afford repashy :). Fortunately had no problem about SBD since then.

[@ana-bananainca790]

You’re describing my Floyd- sick for months lump on side. Still has appetite but has a hard time swimming down and using tank walls to turn. I treated him for parasites aast month with no improvement. His colors are still beautiful. When he first hit sick he turned gray I moved him to so yes 3 gl cube and his color came back. I only keep him with 3 tiny guppy fry because I notice he doesn’t move much if alone. But adult guppies nip his huge fins. And a mystery snail.

[@kathleenreardon8943]

Thanks for the info. I've had fancy gold fish for years. I agree with you. I've never had a fish recover. They survive for a while. If they are eating and swimming okay most of the time I leave it until the fish is suffering and then I put them down with clove oil.

[@brianmizway9324]

I'm in this situation now. What is clove oil and how would you use it in this case?

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

Well researched and presented

[@KathyMcDowell1]

My angelfish🥺 I can't get it to eat the peas. How do you know if it's a disease or infection

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I don't know.

[@loftyskies123]

hi did you manage to cure your angel , mine is 7 years old and going through the same , i just cant get him to eat the peas im going to try epsom salts i hate seeing him like this .

[@KathyMcDowell1]

@@loftyskies123 no, sadly, it passed away

[@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR]

Good video Dan. I have never had any success in the past with this issue either. Real interesting listen though mate !

[@napatik8068]

Help! for context my betta fish was stuck between the heater and tank and couldn't get out. because of this when he escaped he had swim bladder disease, which he didn't have before he got stuck. I searched up many things and put my fish in its own quarantine tank. I fasted it for 3 days and fed it a pea. I have no idea what is going on and why he isn't recovering. Google hasn't been much help either, I believe that my fish got swimbladder disease from stress or shock. someone please help or tell what to do, this is my last resort...

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm sorry, but I don't know what to tell you. Try using "General Cure" medication, or give the fish a Epsom salts bath. I hope it works out.

[@Valed8]

My fish isn't bloated but floats sideways and upside down. Would the epsom salt work? And is it safe to use both epsom salt and aquarium salt at the same time. I'm asking because i already have aquarium salt in my tank and need to use the tank water for the epsom salt bath. Will my fish be okay?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes, if you put the fish in a bath (bucket) for the treatment, a bit of aquarium salt won't be an issue. good luck.

[@Valed8]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@santoroaquatics5038]

Hi Dan I always enjoy your content 💯👍

[@sunflower6434]

Thanks for your honesty, my gold fish has this, saw long poops hanging of it and I knew, but nothing is working, even bought “swim bladder” solution- still nothing, and have been giving it Epsom salts baths, just waiting for a miracle. But my black widow tetras are all fine….

[@yoselinemadrigal]

Did the epsom baths helped?

[@davidschmidt270]

Long poop hanging out means it might have a swim bladder problem???

[@Shaden0040]

Swin bladder syndrome usually has something to do with the fish not being able to regulate the size of the bladder with the muscle tissue surrounding the swim bladder. There are many causes, from bacterial disease, to viral causes, some are caused by intestinal blockaes. Many fishgulp air to get it in its intestines which then can through osmosis gas exchange from the intestines into the swim bladder. This is when treating for intestinal blockages can help. If the airbladder is not inflating try lifting the fish out of the water so it can gulp some air.

[@blockednostril9739]

Can I ask what is good options for a fish with too much buoyancy? I picked up three Congo tetra today, two have settled in perfectly but one went from normal to unable to balance or swim I didn’t see what happened but I’m lead to believe it’s from some sort of trauma ie hitting something and potentially concussing itself or damaging its organs? He doesn’t quite float but definitely lists to one side. Just wondering if you have any thoughts on what could be done

[@BelieverMeSF]

I did what you said and now my fish is laying on his side At the bottom of the tank

[@linzyplascencia6374]

So I use a small container and regular epson salt or is there a specific one for fish? My fish is still swimming normal but will swim to its side and upside down then pick itself up. Ive had it for years. Its a fighter. I need to help it out. Thank you for your help

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Regular Epsom salts

[@vickijeanne9958]

Hi, Dan, I have a head and taillight tetra that has been swimming erratically and I did the epsom salt bath; unfortunately, it hasn't helped, I've had my fish for 5-6 years and I've enjoyed them. I am just wondering if this is the end for one of my fish-I heard they only live for about 7 years?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm guessing it's just getting old and fading away. That is pretty old for a small tetra.

[@lupsaastrid3828]

Hi! I really need some advice on my fish, please. I have tank with 7 large neon tetra, not the small kind. They are either neon pink, yellow, blue purple etc. One of them lies flat at the top of the tank and can’t sit straight, he is thin but I do see a little bump towards his tail. What can I do? I don’t have much… I have epsom salt, I have some Malachit green. I really hope you can share some feedback

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm not sure what to tell you. I'd try a salt bath with the epsom salts and see if that helps.

[@lupsaastrid3828]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly thank you very much Dan! Love your videos. Ok, for now I only tried baths in Malachit green (2 days) and I did noticed that he can go a bit lower in the tank. These are sort of recused fish, they lived in terrible conditions before and I just adopted them so I’m not aware of any history. I will try epsom salt bath maybe and stop the other one. I never had this issue before with a fish that is slim but I really hope for the best. Many thanks again!

[@suthanparkunnan5701]

Love your Mythbusting vids...Lost my betta due to SBD(he couldn't float)

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm sorry to hear it. I hate feeling helpless, but that's just how it is sometimes.

[@suthanparkunnan5701]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly Thanks, Its part of the aquarium hobby.As a average hobbyist, i can only learn and adapt next time.

[@lunasArtJourney]

I grew up thinking you could put fish in tap water clean it sometimes and be good. Ive been realizing taking care of my own, ove realized why we had so many growing up. Thank you for the video! I think my new fish got sbd

[@robertomartinez7706]

This how does this work for my percolate clownfish? I’m desperate

[@aquariumtreasures1054]

It's so sad to watch them struggle.🐟🌿👍😊

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It is.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

It worries me with bettas for sure!! Any fish for that matter...that was interesting that some fish have lived with this issue (for years?)😭

[@danarcotta1283]

I have a now 11 Year old beautiful koi that I got at 2" long. She's now 22 inches long. Lately she's had this problem, I'm trying the peas. It comes and goes. Help me out here, I've massaged her belly also, haven't tried the Epson salt. Funny, she hasn't been fed in months as she's been dormant. I'm at odds at this time. Please respond

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Try kanaplex, or some other antibiotic.

[@danarcotta1283]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly 👍 I'll give it a try, thanks

[@luissimental6191]

Having that deal with a gourami he's alive, gonna give the salt bath a shot.🤞🏾

[@PSYCHO-EATS]

How do I get my fish to eat the pea?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Mush the insides out and remove the shell. Put the mushy part of the pea in the tank and the fish should eat it if it's still feeding.

[@danarcotta1283]

My pond is 7' round by 2 feet deep. I have 6 fish in the pond and they're all fine

[@jessicaj7681]

Glad to find this video Dan, thanks for making it. Very sad that I am currently dealing with this issue with one of my first live bearers whose filled my tank with many of her fry. Unfortunately she is in the end by what you explained and floats at the top more on her side. I did try the peas but she couldn't even get to the bottom to eat them.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm sorry to hear it.

[@upstatenewyorkers8977]

Hand feed peas

[@upstatenewyorkers8977]

Thats what i am doing

[@jessicaj7681]

@upstatenewyorkers8977 Yeah, I should have tried that back then, but I was very new to having fish and did my best. In the end, sadly, she didn't make it.

[@upstatenewyorkers8977]

I know what that's like. We had no idea even about a cycled tank. Somehow, he's still alive, but it's not looking good for him 3 years later. Im hoping he will make it. You're welcome to watch his progress on my page. He popped his eyeball, and then this happened.

[@melissabrill8367]

Like canned peas ? And how long to separate him ?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes canned peas are ok, just squeeze the mush out of the middle. Treat as long as needed,

[@melissabrill8367]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly I have 15 fish the one fish with problems is a molly .. should I put him in a bucket for the salt treatment? How long

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@melissabrill8367 Yeah, I'd put it in a bucket. Try a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water for 20 minutes.

[@aprilrami81]

Hi I know this is late but I don’t know what to do I changed my water and gravel to sand so I had to remove my fish I put my 2 blood parrots in a container with corydo which pooped a lot in the container when when came to putting my fish back in tank my blood parrot has been lying on it’s side at first she would swim away if other fish would bother her but now she justs laying there in her side her fins aren’t moving anymore but her gills are so she’s breathing I did a epsom bath and no difference any advice or what’s your opinion on this ??

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'd give it a day and see if she recovers. As long as she's in good water, just let her rest for now.

[@royalaquatics4586]

Great video thanks, glad I found your channel. New subscriber now :)

[@pantalonious3984]

I’ve cured swim bladder 1 time. I’m hoping to do it a second time now with a small young tetra.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Good luck!

[@archivez101]

Did it work?

[@Lilian.94]

How? My fish got sbd she can't float (when she stops trying to swim up, she sinks)

[@rmusic8969]

How?

[@danarcotta1283]

She swims fine, and mostly looks normal. This has been periodically happening for over 2 months😕

[@FlabulousTori]

I am super new to this hobby. I have 2 Molly fish and one of them appears to have this issue. Do I need to take that fish out of the regular aquarium to treat it with the epsom salt???

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes, put it in a bucket.

[@trixie1636]

Can anyone help? 😢 my guy isn’t bloated, but I noticed him hanging at the top and bottom of the tank so I took him out because I thought he may be stressed. Moved him to a different tank and he was fine, swimming normally exploring, sifting around the sand.. I woke up this morning and he was curved and on the bottom, thought he was dead and went to scoop him out and he flipped out swimming erratically and in a spiral 😔 I got him out and put him in a little low cylinder vase with a heater and bubbler. I also put a little Tupperware cup I use to scoop them and acclimate them to new water with him in it, tilted so he is in the water but doesn’t have to swim. He is able to right himself for a bit and then spins or floats out of control. I put kanaplwx and aquarium salt in there and I’ve checked on him all day. I’m absolutely heartbroken, he was my little buddy. Out of the 6 guppies I got back in January that created this whole new world and hobby for me, he is the only survivor. One by one over the last 6(?) months they have passed from drowsy or wasting disease or something? I am not even sure. I had tequila sunrise females and they all seemed to get wasting disease after giving birth, and I was too late to help once I realized. One black tail who birthed the majority of the babies got eaten (they’re in a pond). The males seemed to get dropsy or a swim bladder thing out of nowhere… one day to the next and then they’re gone. 😭 I lost my beautiful cobra mosaic guppy in September and I have been watching this one like a hawk. Twice I pulled him and treated him because he was acting weird and seemed bloated, he recovered and was swimming around within a couple days. This time however he is spinning out of control and listing upside down 😢 I am so upset, I don’t even want to check tomorrow morning. 💔🥺 I feel so dumb crying over a fish, but I also feel like only people in this hobby will get it. I’m emotionally attached to him so much cus he’s my last OG… and I don’t feel emotionally attached like this to any of the others 😔 Is there any hope?

[@maevecorney7342]

Can I use epsom salt instead of aquarium salt?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes.

[@colinhamer6506]

I've had a big headache recently long story short my cats like to sleep on 1 of my tanks we used new flea drops some where near 100 snails died and probably all the micro life we didn't notice until fish started dying the tank crashed it's fixed now expect 1 corey can't stay the right way up and I don't think you can use salt with Corey's at all is that right and is Epson salts a no for them to

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm honestly not sure. I'd try it a quick bath and if it's showing signs of distress, put it back in the tank.

[@Chubby_BunnyX0]

My black moore goldfish had it last year. He floated upsidedown. I was able to treat it. Early this year he got ick so I treated it. About 2.5 weeks ago he had ick again and I treated it. It went away then quickly came back. I noticed he was sinking at this point. Put him in a hospital tank and cleaned his tank good and cycled medicine in it. After a few days I thought he may be better and added him bad to his tank. He sank like a rock. I have him in a small carrier tank with air bubbles and gave him peas the past few days. He has pooped but won't stop sinking. I'm getting worried it's permanent 😔 to be fair he is a Walmart fish back when they sold fish. He is almost 4 years old now (at least been with me that long) so he has lived longer than I thought considering he's from Walmart. If anyone has any advice please let me know.

[@Chubby_BunnyX0]

Also I'm aware black moores live around 10 years I was just saying because he's from Walmart I didn't expect him to live long.

[@rogeliobarraza1772]

Lmao Walmart brand

[@labae8728]

You have to check the causes of why this is happening. Maybe your water parameters are not right and maybe something is stressing out the fish, making it more vulnerable to diseas

[@Chubby_BunnyX0]

@@labae8728 I appreciate the advice but he has passed. I don't plan on owning more fish because I do believe it was my care and the water. Thank you though I appreciate it!

[@labae8728]

@@Chubby_BunnyX0 Oh I'm sorry to hear that, but don't give up if there's an opportunity again. It was stressful for me to suddenly take care of fish my parents bought out of nowhere but with a bit of research I was able to get the hang of it. I really love caring for them and it's a great educational journey for me :) Atm, I am also trying to cure my betta from SBD who has been with me for over a year and she struggles soo much to swim to the top. It's been 11 days trying to treat her and I've been worried but so far I added some almond leaves just two days ago cuz my dad got them for free from a kind fish pet store employee's gesture. They sell it but it's crazy expensive and so he said to get some for free by this almond tree a few blocks away haha my dad got a plastic bag full of them! Anyway, so far it has worked more efficiently for me rather than the epsom salt. I fed her peas for over a week after I have fasted her and doing epsom salt baths. I felt like I was stressing my fish out too much doing that since I keep transferring her everyday for the baths. So the almond leaves help more because it helps reduce tress and has antibiotic properties. She was struggling to even eat the food from the floor and today was the first day I caught her doing that and she has passed some stool too which she hasn't really done over a week. I also fed her flakes for the first time ever since the start of the treatment. Sorry if this was long. I just wanted to share my experience with you ^_^ Do you have any fish left that you take care of?

[@kelsey411]

Thanks so much. I have an old girl cichlid and I want to save her. Im trying

[@loftyskies123]

going through it with my angel fish hes 7 years old i dont want to lose him , he just wont eat the peas i hate seeing him like this hes just pointing upwards all the time . good luck with your fish .

[@anginehnazarian8437]

Can you please help me figure out what’s happening to my goldfish

[@anginehnazarian8437]

It’s hiding on top of the aquarium bent and not eating or moving

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I really don't know what to tell you. Is it new?

[@anginehnazarian8437]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly I’ve had it for 3 months

[@anginehnazarian8437]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly I took it out of my 10 gallon tank now it’s in a bowl. I don’t know if it’s swim bladder disease or some kind of poisoning. For a week he was acting strange just hanging around on top.

[@jillmudd3224]

Hi Dan how much Epsom salts per amount of water please I’ve got two baby fantail goldfish with swim bladder issues they’re only about 3/4 of a cm in size but super fat just hope I can do some to try to save these little guys x

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'd start with a tablespoon per gallon

[@jillmudd3224]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly Thankyou I’ll try it.

[@J.J.Stokes]

​@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly how long in the bath? Thx!

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@J.J.Stokes Salt baths should be about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish looks like it's in distress if that happens sooner.

[@J.J.Stokes]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly great thanks. Did 15 minutes this morning.. 5 hours later no improvement.. currently has been laying on his side at bottom without much movement for probably 12 hours .. breathing rate seems a bit labored and at 100 breaths per min. good water parameters .. starting yesterday added some aquarium salt to tank. heated water from 74 to 80°gradually ,. Lots of air stones going. He's 8 years old. Hard to watch right now 😟 started kanaplex yesterday.. he seemed same in bath as in tank .. should I do more baths? No more ? 1 a day? 2 a day? .. getting desperate.. thx for any advice!

[@davidsamsell2031]

Good information. 📺👍😎

[@wildwhispers001]

Ugh I’m in this situation right now. My husband is going to purchase epsom salt.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Good luck! I hope it helps.

[@wildwhispers001]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly thank you, she sadly passed tonight.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@wildwhispers001 Oh no. I'm sorry to hear it.

[@b-eternity3416]

I have a 10 inch cichlid that banged himself up in the tank when someone walked by it and hes been laying on his side for 3 days but he still alive. Ive added aquarium salt and have not fed him as everyone recommended. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Should i try to get him fizzed?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm sorry to hear it. I really don't know what to tell you. Sorry.

[@ambur_2k178]

I have only kept south American chiclids and betas. Ive had a few betas have bloating problems. Ive tried the salt baths and have never had any luck. I never thought about draining the water...thats a very smart idea to buy them some time anyway. I really dont think they can b saved, sadly. The for ur content buddy!! Have u thought about doing live videos?! That would b awesome! 😉

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I did a couple of live videos. It was really my thing.

[@ambur_2k178]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly it was really NOT ur thing?! Sad face! 😉🤷‍♀️

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@ambur_2k178 Lol Yeah, I left out the important word there.I have a "live stream" playlist with both my videos if you care to see how it went.

[@mrsmiff5054]

thank you so much saved my shibunkin goldfish

[@aiyannaking6759]

Mine actually just passed this morning from it he was fighting for three days I tried everything!!! My crown head goldfish is now doing the same thing! But the others are just fine!

[@mrsmiff5054]

@@aiyannaking6759 aw no :( my fish literally just floats after it has food then like 2 hours later its just fine, its so weird

[@bubblerings]

I found a swim bladder relief video After my 9 inch Fahaka puffer died, yesterday... I searched Deflate Swim Bladder... And all the Short fishing vids came up.. I did not have the guts to stab my fish until now.. after his autopsy. RIP, Grumpy (puffer) It turned out that the bulge that shifted to the side of his chest... was indeed his swim bladder. So, I could have popped the bubble and treated him for infections after that. With a hypo need!e from the vet... Will try sucking the air out, then pushing a half cc of Diluted Methylene Blue in there, if it ever happens again. He may have eaten a rotten piece of meat, that was hiding behind a rock(?) Or maybe his 'blue bal!s' from 3 months of mating attempts made his swim bladder ma!function.. I don't know. Not a doctor. Hope this helps someone. I imagine his oversized swim bladder blocked circulation or stopped his heart. 😬

[@Tiffany-en7ks]

My betta fish stays at the bottom, and lays on his side. He occasionally darts up I think to get air and darts down and starts to tilt on its side and lays on the ground. I am not sure what to do but I am about to separate him into a quarantine tank. His stomachs is also bloated. I am not sure what is best to do in this situation.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I wish I could help, but I'm not sure what to tell you. A salt bath is typical treatment, so I guess you can try that. good luck, I hope it works out for you.

[@shironaxx9822]

Oh hey Dana

[@leahmadalyn]

Wow lol Idk how to feel about this 9 minute advice

[@jpartlow2345]

Great video

[@infinityzer054]

One of the tetras my cousin owns had his bladder ruptured by another fish(forgot what breed it is but the tetra has meme swimming vertical to stay up in the water, I mean, we’ve been thinking of getting a “fish hammock” for them so that they can rest and breath. So, finally getting to the point, if a swim bladder is ruptured from a impact, can it heal?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No. sorry.

[@infinityzer054]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly “Sigh” I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be an answer that would be good...I mean, they literally will not stop swimming to stay afloat, and I’m kinda worried if he will experience burn(overexertion)

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@infinityzer054 Unfortunately, yes. It will have a greatly reduced lifespan.

[@Uathankicks]

The most success I’ve had is massaging their belly and helping them pass gas/loosing up whatever is blocking it

[@kuhli6126]

This decease killed by baby sitter goldfish.

[@candacemata9151]

Sorry for your loss kuhli

[@robertomartinez7706]

Sorry i meant percula clownfish

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm not sure. I'd try Kanaplex or other antibiotic.

[@jefffleet9546]

I am going to euthanise my oldest fish who has this on Friday . He has had it a while the problem is he tries to right himself then seems to dart in the water and keeps hitting the glass so hard I’m worried he’s gonna crack the glass . I’ve had him ten years . It will be sad to see him Go but I don’t think peas etc work . He’s munched loads and is still the same . I will be sad to see him go I’m Gonna use Clove oil. Never used this Method before I have read it’s the most humane way to say bye bye 😢

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm sorry to hear it. It's always a tough call.

[@carlmaslar1381]

Clove oil does work. It's more humane than chopping the head off and pithing the brain, which I don't think I could do.

[@joeburrus4934]

Man I’ve never been able to fix it I flush them no matter what I paid for the fish and I have probably 15 tanks 1000 of fish and I’ve tried for years to help them just cause u wasted time and money flush it

[@monas]

Wow 15 tanks and 1000 fish? you sound like me.