Front with ? swimbladder probs

[Nick660]

Hi, I need some advice for one of my fronts please.

1 of my Mpimbwe is having problems. She doesn't seem to be able to maintain bouyancy and just rests on the bottom most of the time. If she swims quickly she can stay up but as soon as she stops she sinks again. Occasionally she tries to hover above the bottom but appears only to be able to stay up by "sculling" with her pectoral fins which makes her look like she's wobbling gently.

Otherwise, she looks healthy and is eating. All the other members of the group of 5 appear normal. They are F1's, approx 2yrs old, and I've had them for 6 months.

90 gal (US) tank.
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 40
pH = 7.8
KH = 9
Temp = 75*F
30% weekly wc
Epsom salts @ 6 tsp / 30 gal

Any ideas?

 

[Nick660]

Bump?

I've started treatment with eSHa 2000.
Reluctant to rush into use of antibiotics because I don't want to damage my beneficial bacteria. No quarantine tank available at the moment either.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Swimbladder disorders are primarily caused by two things;
a. Constipation- when fish get constipated, the swollen gut can put pressure on the swimbladder and cause it to go wrong.
b. Infection of the swimbladder- most often bacterial, but can also be viral or fungal. In rarer cases tumors/cancer can be the cause.


What do you feed the fish and how much/often on average ?

Edit: Oh, i just noticed your nitrates are a bit on the high side, it would be best to do some small regular water changes to help lower them, as they can have a negative impact on the fishes osmotic process when nitrates get into the 40's or higher- most fish can tolerate nitrates in the 40's, but IMHO its better to be on the safe side and aim to keep them less than 40 .

 

[Nick660]

They currently get fed once daily with catfish pellets and tetra prima - because they don't seem to like the NLS i got for them! . Also occasional mysis, krill, and chopped smelt.

Perhaps I'll try them with some peas tonight......and a water change.
I think I'll also increase the Epsom salt levels back to 12 tsp / 30 US gal which I believe is the standard dose.

Cheers.