Bloat is a bacterial infection (Usually caused by to much protein in their diet) you just way over fed them. When a fish has bloat it usually stops eating for a couple days then it stomache bloats up full of bacteria and their gas. As suggested treat with Epsom salt.
Overfeeding NLS = Bloat?
- Thread starter 08trdoffroad
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Not exactly. Protein does not cause bloat (excess amino acids are simply excreted - even by herbivores) - and most authorities on this subject now agree that it's intestinal flaggelates that typically cause "bloat" conditions, not bacteria.
I think that it's important to understand that "bloat" is a symptom of a disease, not a disease on its own. Intestinal flagellates are common in most freshwater species, and typically these intestinal parasites will not have any serious affect on their host. But, place that same fish under enough stress, enough to weaken its immune system, and within the blink of an eye those same parasites can multiply to numbers that the fish simply can't cope with. If/when those numbers reach epidemic proportions, they can & often will block the intestinal tract of a fish eventually creating what is commonly referred to as "bloat".
Having said that, overfeeding (such as in this case) can on its own cause blockage, and constipation, and the end result is also a "bloat" like condition. This is precisely why in this situation I recommended epsom salt. (as a purgative) When fish come down with parasitic bloat, medication such as metronidazole is required, adding epsom salt to the tank water will have little effect on intestinal parasites.
HTH
ballinouttacntrol;4393368; said:
Thanks! It has definitely been a lesson learned! I will definitely be more careful about how much I fed in the future!
I am happy to report that both fish seem to have made a "full recovery". They are both swimming normally again, and the bulge in the stomachs has disappeared. I haven't fed the tank yet so I do not know if they will eat yet or not.
Should I take any special precautions for the first little while, like a different diet? I thought I might throw in a leaf of romaine lettice to start and then slow reintroduce pellets. Any thoughts?
I would withhold all food for another day or two, and then just feed very sparingly for several days, once you begin to feed again.
Switching diets suddenly may cause more gastrointestinal upset.
Switching diets suddenly may cause more gastrointestinal upset.
RD.;4394518; said:
I feed romaine lettice on a regular basis, so it wouldn't be something that they aren't used to.
Update:
Both fish have made a full recovery. I have been feeding the tank lightly the last two days. All seems to be okay!
Both fish have made a full recovery. I have been feeding the tank lightly the last two days. All seems to be okay!
