Air bladder problem

Question
We have a large gold fish (serassa) that seems to have an air bladder problem.....  she cannot stay upright....  is there something that we can give her to correct this...

Answer
Hi Diana
First try checking your nitrate levels.  High nitrates can cause swim bladder problems.  Nitrates you want to keep under 20 ppm, which is best achieved(usually) through frequent partial water changes-the amount being changed will depend on the tank size.  I usually recommend for a normal stocked tank, 25% weekly water changes along with a gravel vacuum done weekly.

If those are off, a lot of times just correcting that will resolve the siwm bladder issue.  

Another possibility is temperature fluctuations-like when you do a water change.  Make sure the temp is very close in the new water and the tank water.

Another, is constipation.  Try feeding a pea to the fish, if it's large enough you can split a pea open so it gets the inside.  If not, just a few pieces of the inside for it to eat.  Do this for a few days and see if it helps.  If so, just incorporate a pea into the diet at least once or twice a week.  Also give some thought to varying up the diet during the week with other foods instead of flakes/pellets.  

Hope that helps and good luck!

Christy