groumi with swim bladder dysfunction

[lorrie]

Hi my name is Lorrie, wasn't sure where to put my introduction. I always have some trouble about where to put things in this forum. I have a 72 gal freshwater tank and a hospital tank. I have 2 blood parrots, 5 jack demseys and 1 groumi that has a swim bladder prob. He can't get down his top fin was always out of the water. He's in my hosp tank on maracyn, his 5th day, and he seems a little better (not always on the top). My nitrates were high but I'm treating that. I have a tentency to overfeed but the little groumi dosen't get much because of the other hog fish I have. Any suggestions?

[Little Embers]

WELCOME lorrie

I could be wrong, but I don't think they are compatible companions for a gourami. Does he try to swim down and floats back up or does he seem to just prefer to stay at the top? Could be brought on by stress.

Is he eating now he is in the Q. tank? His problem could also stem from improper diet, I would try feeding him a wide variety of food, something different each day, just a tiny bit to see if he will eat something. If you think he might be constipated, you could also try feeding a bit of pea (making sure to remove the shell), you can microwave a frozen pea for 5-10 secs. in a bit of water to warm it up and then remove the shell and cut or squish the pea into little pieces.

What temperature do you have the Q. tank? around 78* is good for them. I'm not crash hot on diseases, but If you can fix a problem without using meds. I think it is much better for the fish in the long run.

[gm72]

The gourami is not a suitable tankmate for the other inhabitants. He will not be aggressive enough to get the nutrition he needs and will be constantly stressed.