HELP!

Question
QUESTION: Renee!
My green tiger barb is swimming on its side! It is struggling at the bottom of my tank. He is on his left side and I think only one of his fins are working! What do I do!?

BTW He is in salt!

ANSWER: Okay, get the water changed.  He is suffering nitrite poison.  I know you did a change, but with all the deaths, it's going to require further cleaning asap.
Get him in spotless clean water, even if it's in a bucket.  Make sure it's about 80 degrees (not cold) and not hot either.  Same as you keep his tank water.

Take the salt out.  The barb doesn't need salt.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Renee,
I changed the water as best as I could. I also took out the salt. My q:

Will he be okay now?
AND
What is nitrate poisoning?
and
how can it be prevented?

Answer
Hi Manahil,

Nitrites form from poo in the water.

Nitrite poisoning is as if the fish was breathing ammonia...and poop.  It is bad for his little lungs if it's in the water.

Nitrites and ammonia form from unfiltered poo.

It can be prevented by water cleaning, and changing every week.  Change out one forth of the water.

He might be okay now.:)

Probably will...crossing fingers.

Renee