Sinking Lionhead

[humBill]

Hi all - I have a Lionhead that seems to have no bouyancy. It can swim fine
and will eat at least some food when feeding, but since it cant float it
does little foraging which requires the ol headstand. Water parameters are
fine (except nitrates are 60ish) and there are no obviously external
symptoms. VERY infrequently ( I might observe this once a day) it will dart
to the top for a gulp of air and then settle right back on the bottom,
blowing air bubles on the way. It is definitely loosing weight and is
getting skinnier, not blown up. I am guessing this may be a swimbladder
problem so I have begun feeding it and it's tank mates medicated food.
Beyond that I am at a loss for anything to even try. Any suggestions would
be appreciated!
Bill Brister - Austin, Texas

[Geezer From The Freezer]

humBill wrote:
>
> Hi all - I have a Lionhead that seems to have no bouyancy. It can swim fine
> and will eat at least some food when feeding, but since it cant float it
> does little foraging which requires the ol headstand. Water parameters are
> fine (except nitrates are 60ish) and there are no obviously external
> symptoms. VERY infrequently ( I might observe this once a day) it will dart
> to the top for a gulp of air and then settle right back on the bottom,
> blowing air bubles on the way. It is definitely loosing weight and is
> getting skinnier, not blown up. I am guessing this may be a swimbladder
> problem so I have begun feeding it and it's tank mates medicated food.
> Beyond that I am at a loss for anything to even try. Any suggestions would
> be appreciated!
> Bill Brister - Austin, Texas

Bill,

try getting those nitrates under 40ppm, 20 would be even better.
Hpw big is the tank and how many fish? Do you have good water movement
at the surface (for oxygen exchange?).

Does sound like a swimbladder problem, and medicated food is a good idea.
Could also try feeding a cooked shelled pea - squish it first. That
can help with digestive problems that cause swimbladder issues.