Mel,

Yes, in this case I think you do need collateral resource material. The
reason I ask is that I do have research that shows that Goldfish are fine
with high nitrates. Personally, I try to keep mine at or below 50ppm by
using philodendrons in my tanks and tubs, but I very seldom even worry about
it. Woo and Bruno have probably done the most research around swim bladder
problems and never once have they ever mentioned a coorelation with nitrates
and they has three books to his credit. Also if nitrates are a probability
in affecting goldfish and swim bladder problems (and goldfish are tolerant
of nitrates) you would think that Noga and Stoskopf would mention it in
their books about this correlation and they don't because many other fish
are a lot less tolerant of nitrates than Goldfish. So that is the reason I
asked for reference, because what you said does not agree with established
research.

Tom L.L.
--------------------------------------
"Mel" wrote in message
news
Do you need a reference for everything written here? g
I haven't got a specific source but from my own experience I have found
that
when people have fish with swimbladder problems the nitrates are often
elevated far above the recommended minimum of 20. I have also read of
research being done into this and links being found between the two but
unfortunately it was a while ago and I cant remember where I read it.
However, even if nitrates aren't linked to swimbladder problems, it's well
worth checking them and lowering them if necessary as if they are too high
they will weaken the fish and make it harder for it to overcome any health
problems which might arise/have already arisen.
Mel.


"Tom La Bron" wrote in message
...
Mel,

Where does it say that high nitrates are connected to swim bladder
problem?

Tom L.L.
---------------------------------------
"Mel" wrote in message
...
It does sound like he is suffering form a mild swimbladder problem.
High
nitrates have been linked to this so it is important that you test
your
water parameters (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) as soon as you can.
STarving the fish for 3 days then feeding nothing but defrosted frozen
peas,
shelled and chopped for another 3 days often does the trick for mild
cases
so it would be worth a try (it wont hurt your other one to follow the
same
regime). It is also a good idea to feed peas twice a week in order to
keep
it from happening again.
Flakes aren't that great for goldfish - high protein sinking pellets
are
generally best.
Mel.

"MartinOsirus" wrote in message
...
One of my Orandas seems to float at the top of the tank quite a
bit,
especially after they eat. I'm wondering if he's gulping in air
with
his
food.

Yes he's gulping air if feeding at the water surface. Feed sinking
food -
pellets best for the larger fish. Pre-soak the food so it sinks.
Gulping
air
can cause floating.