Freshwater Angelfish - Bloat

2newreefers · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 08:56 AM

Hi all.

I have had a well established 36g freshwater aquarium for many years (20+). I have a beautiful Angelfish that is at least 2 years old. Within the past couple of weeks his/her stomach has become very swollen. Many years ago I had this problem and a LFS told me it was called bloat and sold me a special food. This actually cured the problem. Since it has been many years since I've had this problem I no longer have any of that "food" (small black pellets).

I went to Petco and Petsmart last night and no one had ever heard of this problem or "food" before.

Now, not only is his/her stomach really swollen, both eyes are bulging.

Nothing new has been added, no changes to the tank at all for 4 years.

I really don't want to see this fish die. Can anyone help?

Thanks

JoeCreature · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 09:47 AM

Thread on Bloat: Bloat!!!!

2newreefers · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 10:40 AM

Thanks. I read the thread. I'm thinking for my guy/girl it may be old age. I'll try all of this and hope for the best.

customdrumfinish · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 01:01 PM

angels live for more than 2 years, ive had some for 5+ years before they got old and died off.
have any pics of this swelling?
i have heard the clout is good for treatment to.
will the fish eat any food? if not it probably is bloat

2newreefers · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 07:51 PM

I will get some pics and post them. I love this guy. He is beautiful.

We tried peas this morning - no go! We'll keep trying

We bought some antibiotic today and have started it.

He also has bulging (cloudy) eyes and some spots (not ick) on his body).

Wish me luck with this guy.

Does anyone else remember a food that was specifically for bloat? Jon said we used to buy it for our pictus cats we used to have. It worked well for them.

Thanks,

Margaret

JoeCreature · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 11:56 AM

No idea but it was probably heavy in fiber and anti-biotics.

VRWC · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 06:12 PM

I dont know how sensitive angels are to temps, but I found lowering the temp to around 76 (because heat induces the bloat process), adding epsom salt (to help them clean their bowels of blockage) and only feeding them spirulina based foods (algae) have helped me in the past. No Protein based foods at all if possible. Check the labels for contents.

Bad news is that once it gets to a certain point, its almost irreversible. Most of the time, its caused by stress, in my experience. I just lost 3 ex-cichlisoma Istlanum because the single male stressed the other 3 so bad they got bloat.

Some fish are prone to it, but I have never heard angels were. Has anything stressful happened in or near the tank? Have you checked for stray voltage from the heater or filter?

oceandude · #8 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 08:00 PM

My thoughts are with you...I wish the best...m

2newreefers · #9 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 09:37 PM

Thanks everyone.

I've given second dose this evening. It's too soon to know if it's helping. He eats and swims well.

No known stress. No recent changes.

Happy V-day everyone.

2newreefers · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 10:38 PM

UPDATE: At this time our Angelfish is showing signs of complete recovery.

Thanks for your help and comments.