One glofish Tetra now flipping!

My son wanted fish when he turned five and we got him a small aquarium (he will be eight in a few months). We originally had two glofish Tetras and another type that unexpectedly passed awhile ago. Then we got our newest Tetra, making it the three we have now. They’ve been doing great, yet a few days ago I noticed the greenish one named Freddie Fish was floating upside down; it was like his back fin was pulling him up. I did some reading about swim bladder disease. As a result, I did some cleaning, replacing the water partially, scrubbed the decor, replaced the filter, and began a three day fast. I then tried the whole pea thing but they wanted nothing to do with it. So I fed them the usual flakes in small amounts. Poor Freddie Fish is now flipping around and I just don’t know what to do. I am so sad watching him. Is he suffering? What do I do???

 

My son wanted fish when he turned five and we got him a small aquarium (he will be eight in a few months). We originally had two glofish Tetras and another type that unexpectedly passed awhile ago. Then we got our newest Tetra, making it the three we have now. They’ve been doing great, yet a few days ago I noticed the greenish one named Freddie Fish was floating upside down; it was like his back fin was pulling him up. I did some reading about swim bladder disease. As a result, I did some cleaning, replacing the water partially, scrubbed the decor, replaced the filter, and began a three day fast. I then tried the whole pea thing but they wanted nothing to do with it. So I fed them the usual flakes in small amounts. Poor Freddie Fish is now flipping around and I just don’t know what to do. I am so sad watching him. Is he suffering? What do I do???

Oooh... Ok, so first-

Never scrub your decor or change the filter!!! That kills your beneficial bacteria and crashes your cycle. Very, very bad for the fish.

 

Thank you for replying so quickly. Why do they sell filter cartridge replacements if you aren’t supposed to change them? Aren’t they supposed to help keep the water clean? I am obviously not very knowledgeable. I had goldfish in a bowl as a child and that is about all of my fish experience until now.

 

Thank you for replying so quickly. Why do they sell filter cartridge replacements if you aren’t supposed to change them? Aren’t they supposed to help keep the water clean? I am obviously not very knowledgeable. I had goldfish in a bowl as a child and that is about all of my fish experience until now.

Of course! I want to help if I can

Most of the good bacteria for the tank is kept in the filter. They sell them for when the current filter falls apart, but you are supposed to keep the broken filter floss from the old one in the filter.

Sadly goldfish actually need 40 gallons for only one fish, bowls are not acceptable for anything. Every fish needs a filter and heater. Neither bettas nor goldfish can be kept in bowls; it's a common misconception.

Could you fill this out? It'd help a lot: Fish Emergency Template | 376562 | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health

Also I'd recommend doing some heavy research on the nitrogen cycle. It is crucial to any fishkeeping!

 

Thank you for replying so quickly. Why do they sell filter cartridge replacements if you aren’t supposed to change them? Aren’t they supposed to help keep the water clean? I am obviously not very knowledgeable. I had goldfish in a bowl as a child and that is about all of my fish experience until now.

Those cartridges are a total scam tbh. They recommend you change them wayyyyy to often, it actually hurts your cycle. You also don’t even have to buy the brand they say you do. The best way to go is to buy your own filter media and when you replace it, only replace half at a time. Since the filter holds a large amount of beneficial bacteria, when you aggressively clean the or remove all the media, it’s also takes away from its ability to keep the cycle going. (Just a little tip, saves money too)

 

Of course! I want to help if I can

Most of the good bacteria for the tank is kept in the filter. They sell them for when the current filter falls apart, but you are supposed to keep the broken filter floss from the old one in the filter.

Sadly goldfish actually need 40 gallons for only one fish, bowls are not acceptable for anything. Every fish needs a filter and heater. Neither bettas nor goldfish can be kept in bowls; it's a common misconception.

Could you fill this out? It'd help a lot: Fish Emergency Template | 376562 | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health

Also I'd recommend doing some heavy research on the nitrogen cycle. It is crucial to any fishkeeping!

Tank

I recently did not put back as much water as I read a lower level might be easier for Freddie Fish. The tank has been running since 2017. It has a heater which is working and as mentioned earlier a filter. Water temperature: 78 degrees

Maintenance
I usually add water when I see it gets low and use Tetra Aquasafe each time that I do. I will clean the glass when needed from time to time and rinse some rocks out.

*Parameters - I have none as I have never known there was a need. I’m a bad fish mom.

They are fed twice a day with the TetraMin tropical flakes. Honestly, my son was doing it and I worry he was giving too much so I have taken over.

 

Tank

I recently did not put back as much water as I read a lower level might be easier for Freddie Fish. The tank has been running since 2017. It has a heater which is working and as mentioned earlier a filter. Water temperature: 78 degrees

Maintenance
I usually add water when I see it gets low and use Tetra Aquasafe each time that I do. I will clean the glass when needed from time to time and rinse some rocks out.

*Parameters - I have none as I have never known there was a need. I’m a bad fish mom.

They are fed twice a day with the TetraMin tropical flakes. Honestly, my son was doing it and I worry he was giving too much so I have taken over.

First- I'd get an API master test kit and test your parameters.

 

Those cartridges are a total scam tbh. They recommend you change them wayyyyy to often, it actually hurts your cycle. You also don’t even have to buy the brand they say you do. The best way to go is to buy your own filter media and when you replace it, only replace half at a time. Since the filter holds a large amount of beneficial bacteria, when you aggressively clean the or remove all the media, it’s also takes away from its ability to keep the cycle going. (Just a little tip, saves money too)

Thanks for the great information! What do you mean by replace half? Sorry for being so naive.

 

how big is the tank? 5 gallons? it looks like it that is too small.

 

You're not a bad fish mom-you're reaching out for help which is great.

However, it is vital to know parameters, as others have said. Please fill out the form that Bloodfeather posted-it will help the forum to best help you.

Also know that Tetra fish are prone to disease so there could be a combination of issues. We're here to help.

 

how big is the tank? 5 gallons? it looks like it that is too small.

I just checked the box It is five gallons. But there are only three small fish.

 

Thanks for the great information! What do you mean by replace half? Sorry for being so naive.

Sorry this is kinda confusing if you have only ever seen cartridge style filter media. They sell loose media in different forms. Some are like filter pads, foam, or small foam looking prices. Basically if you have a different media, you are able to remove only half of it at a time. Here’s an example of a different type of media you can buy for pretty cheap if you ever wanted to change types. I use a combination of cartridges and loose media in my filters

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Bioma...um&qid=1590460077&sprefix=filter+media&sr=8-3

 

You're not a bad fish mom-you're reaching out for help which is great.

However, it is vital to know parameters, as others have said. Please fill out the form that Bloodfeather posted-it will help the forum to best help you.

Also know that Tetra fish are prone to disease so there could be a combination of issues. We're here to help.

Oh boy! Thank you for the information. And thank you for being so supportive. I did my best to answer the questions for the template other than the parameters I do not have.

 

I just checked the box It is five gallons. But there are only three small fish.

You're fine with stocking IMO

 

Oh boy! Thank you for the information. And thank you for being so supportive. I did my best to answer the questions for the template other than the parameters I do not have.

API freshwater master test kit is your best bet for testing water. Works the best and it best for the money. For right now, you can take your water to petco or another fish store and they will test for free. Make sure to ask the exact numbers and write it down tho!

 

Api master kit is $22 on Amazon

 

You're fine with stocking IMO

Sorry but I highly disagree! They market glow fish so it seems they can be kept in small tanks but it’s just for the money! Glow fish are no different then any other fish. There is very little you can keep in a 5g. This does not include 3 glow fish. These should be in a 15-20g tank.

 

You're fine with stocking IMO

I disagree. Glofish tetras are active, get a good size and can get a bit nippy, keeping them in groups of 6 or more in at least a 20 gallon tank is ideal.
@op, I think you are right in the swim bladder thing, but that could be caused by multiple things. I am no disease expert so I'll step aside for this and let more knowledgable people aid you. Good luck!

 

API freshwater master test kit is your best bet for testing water. Works the best and it best for the money. For right now, you can take your water to petco or another fish store and they will test for free. Make sure to ask the exact numbers and write it down tho!

Thanks so much! I certainly will become more aware of the parameters. But my thinking is that if the other two fish are okay, is it then unlikely that it’s the water?

 

Thanks so much! I certainly will become more aware of the parameters. But my thinking is that if the other two fish are okay, is it then unlikely that it’s the water?

It’s possible but there’s really no way to know without testing the water. Often fish survive in bad conditions for a while before displaying symptoms. Long term, I would recommend what others have as well, bigger tank, more fish (since they need to be in groups) and leaning more on the nitrogen cycle it’s honestly not too complex and there are lots of resources on YouTube or this forum. It’s also important to note that even if it’s not the cause of this issue, it could lead to other issues in the future.

It does appear like swim bladder to me which isn’t caused from bad water conditions. I’m no expert on diagnosis or treatment so I will leave that to someone else.

 

Thanks so much! I certainly will become more aware of the parameters. But my thinking is that if the other two fish are okay, is it then unlikely that it’s the water?

Bad water quality can play a role. Fish are different, one betta may be invincible in a jar and survive for 6 years, another may get severe fin rot in a nicely planted 10 gallon tank. Some fish are weaker while others are stronger.
From my understanding fish that have been exposed to different things are sometimes more immune against them. I cannot be sure this is true though, although it does make sense to me.
I am sorry I can't offer a good solution to curing your fish.

 

Bad water quality can play a role. Fish are different, one betta may be invincible in a jar and survive for 6 years, another may get severe fin rot in a nicely planted 10 gallon tank. Some fish are weaker while others are stronger.
From my understanding fish that have been exposed to different things are sometimes more immune against them. I cannot be sure this is true though, although it does make sense to me.
I am sorry I can't offer a good solution to curing your fish.

I appreciate your response! Even if you don’t have a solution, you have still been helpful in making me more knowledgeable. I am looking into a bigger tank and more fish. I am definitely going to test the current tank’s water too. Thanks again!

 

Of course! I want to help if I can

Most of the good bacteria for the tank is kept in the filter. They sell them for when the current filter falls apart, but you are supposed to keep the broken filter floss from the old one in the filter.

Sadly goldfish actually need 40 gallons for only one fish, bowls are not acceptable for anything. Every fish needs a filter and heater. Neither bettas nor goldfish can be kept in bowls; it's a common misconception.

Could you fill this out? It'd help a lot: Fish Emergency Template | 376562 | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health

Also I'd recommend doing some heavy research on the nitrogen cycle. It is crucial to any fishkeeping!

Well here’s the latest in the Freddie Fish saga. I got the API test strips, which I didn’t realize until after I purchased them, do not test Ammonia levels. Regardless, I do finally have the following telling tank water parameters:
Nitrites: 0.5-1.0
Nitrates: 160-200 DANGER
pH: 6.0 DANGER
KH: 0 DANGER
GH: 180 Caution
As per a family fish enthusiast, I bought an air stone, two small live plants, and added safe water that I purchased to raise the water level.
Freddie Fish ate earlier, which was encouraging. But now what do I do about the water quality? I wonder if all of my previous cleaning measures added/caused the issues. Any more of your amazing guidance would be appreciated!

 

Well here’s the latest in the Freddie Fish saga. I got the API test strips, which I didn’t realize until after I purchased them, do not test Ammonia levels. Regardless, I do finally have the following telling tank water parameters:
Nitrites: 0.5-1.0
Nitrates: 160-200 DANGER
pH: 6.0 DANGER
KH: 0 DANGER
GH: 180 Caution
As per a family fish enthusiast, I bought an air stone, two small live plants, and added safe water that I purchased to raise the water level.
Freddie Fish ate earlier, which was encouraging. But now what do I do about the water quality? I wonder if all of my previous cleaning measures added/caused the issues. Any more of your amazing guidance would be appreciated!

The only suggestion I have is to do a large water change and overdose Seachem prime. This will reduce all levels in the tank and detoxify what is left over for 24hr. The cleaning measures could have gotten rid of BB causing the spike in nitrite. If you can I would return the strips and get the API freshwater master test kit. It’s a way better bang for your buck and tests ammonia too. If you can get quick delivery, it’s on amazon for $22

these water parameters are almost certainly contributing to the Condition of the fish and should be tacked ASAP. You got this! I can tell you really want to help these guys

 

Your parameters are not the best right now, they probably won't kill your fish but I would do an 80 percent water change. I'm curious about the 0 kh but alas I do not know much about it. I would not let nitrites rise above .5-1 ppm and regularly would advise keeping nitrates below 40. Higher shouldn't be a ginormous problem but lower is better.

 

Your parameters are not the best right now, they probably won't kill your fish but I would do an 80 percent water change. I'm curious about the 0 kh but alas I do not know much about it. I would not let nitrites rise above .5-1 ppm and regularly would advise keeping nitrates below 40. Higher shouldn't be a ginormous problem but lower is better.

So as recommended, I got the API Master Test Kit. My ammonia levels are fine but Nitrates are high and others are now in the “Caution” range. Ph is good. I am awaiting delivery of the SeaChem Prime that was recommended as I want to use it for the water change. One post suggests 25% while another post suggests 80%. Any thoughts on how much is better? Also, should I just do a partial water change for now with the AquaSafe and use the SeaChem Prime when it gets here? Or is it better to just wait? Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice!