unhealthy frontosa! please help!

[HAireman]

i bought a female frontosa, about 15 cm (5 inches) about 2 days ago and went i turned on the light this morning she is swimming tail up and cant seem to be able to swim straight. she has been like this all day and may look a little bit bloated. can anyone help me?

 

[HUKIT]

Sorry to hear about your new fish.

There are all sorts of reasons for swim bladder problems, everything from viral to constipation. I've found that Epsom salt baths relieve constipation quickly, this can be done by dosing 1 tablespoon to 1/2 half gallon of tank water then leave the fish in the mixture for 30-60 minutes. Then if you don't a discharge then repeat the processes every couple hours. There is also some reports of success from feeding dishelled peas but in my experience most constipated fish will not eat or simply won't accept any new foods.

 

[HAireman]

do you mean peas with the shell on or or of?