Make sure there are no other exisiting problems with the goldfish
or problems with the aquarium's water parameters.
We can only try to help. There is no guarantee the procedures
will correct the goldfish's swim bladder condition...
The Effect of Water Pressure on the Swim Bladder
Goldfish will experience fewer floating problems with swim bladder disorders if they are kept in a pond with a depth of three feet or more.
Why? When a goldfish descends, the increased pressure from the water surrounding the goldfish, results in compression of the gases inside the swim bladder.
This allows the goldfish to lower its position in the water.
Perhaps, goldfish in deeper ponds can dive to the bottom when they first start having a problem and because of the extra pressure, they can equalize the gas in its bladder easier than in a shallow pond.
The pond also provides plenty of vegetation for the goldfish to eat.
Goldfish Floating Problems
The Gas Bladder
Introduction to the Swim Bladder
Increased Water Pressure
Goldfish (floaters) unable to leave the surface of the water can
be helped. The goldfish will need deep water to increased the
water pressure on their swim bladder.
To help correct this position, you will have to lower the goldfish
to the bottom of the tank.
How? By placing the goldfish in a weighted jacket or a
submersible cage. (see pg.12)
Slowly lower the fish to the bottom of the tank, over a time
period of 24 hours.
The water pressure at the bottom of the tank will provide pressure
on the goldfish’s swim bladder. This will cause the gases within the goldfish’s swim bladder to compress.
Gases enter as the gases are diffused into the bloodstream.
This prevents the swim bladder from collapsing. The gases are expelled by the goldfish's gills.
The Swim Bladder
Decreased Water Pressure
When a goldfish ascends, the swim bladder will expand with gases, bringing the goldfish to the waters surface.
Goldfish unable to rise from the bottom of the tank
(sinkers, bottom sitters) need shallow water to decrease the
water pressure on their swim bladder.
Lowering the water in the tank will provide decreased water pressure
on the goldfish’s swim bladder.
Chinese Water Method
Lower the water level. Leave enough water to keep the goldfish completely submerged. Filtration is necessary and because of the
low water level, use a submersible water heater. Place the water heater in a corner. Aeration is required to be placed near the water heater. This will prevent the goldfish from laying on the water heater.
It is suggested that you exercise the goldfish by moving the goldfish
by hand through the water several times daily.
Floating Symptoms,Treatments, Chinese Water Method.
Floatation support... The support will allow the goldfish who is unable to rise from the tank's bottom to float near the surface of the water.
This will provide decreased water pressure on the goldfish’s swim bladder because there is less water pressure at the surface.
Water reduction is not necessary.
The goldfish will now be able to swim again. Feeding is no problem.
Next: Invasive Treatments for the Swim Bladder.
