Bloated gourami

[kazzy125]

I have a honey gourami did have a pair but one died around 2 weeks ago. The remaining one is very bloated. I have no clue why. He is very active and still eating. I have 4 angels in with him 6 platies 2 guppies and 3 mollies. Can anyone help me with his issues?

[TexmexVin590]

I'm sure that for someone to help you they need more information. Tank size, water paramaters, how much/often you feed them and anything else you can think of that may help you. Also if you can post pictures of your gourami it would greatly help...

[kazzy125]

Hi sorry about that im new to this lol. He is in a 23.5 gallon tank. They are all fed in the morning and early evening. I feed a variety of food including flakes frozen and live foods. The one i lost acouple of weeks ago was also bloated but not as much as the one i have left. I have tested water this evening and all readings are normal. Where the bloating is around the abdoman his scales are lighter. I will try my best to get a picture of him and just hope i can save him he is such a peaceful character and it would be a shame to lose him.

[Mzungu]

If you look at him from above, can you see his scales poking out? Similar to a pine cone? Or does he just look abnormally full?

[kazzy125]

No he just looks abnormally full. I am trying to get a picture of him but cant get one clear enough. He is still very active, doesnt appear to be at all bothered by his bloating. He reminds me of a hen which is laid on her eggs.

[Sea-agg09]

What's the water temperature? Low temperatures can cause bloat.

Also, overfeeding with poor quality food can cause this as well.

Quick solution, use a high grade food, check the temp, which may mean you have to get a new heater, and put in a handful of Epsom salt (Magnesium sulfate). The Epsom salt is a natural laxative. You can find it at any grocery store for a few bucks.

[kazzy125]

Will the epsom salt affect the other fish in anyway? I do have some in as i used them to treat a swordtail with popeye several months ago.

[kazzy125]

Water temp is 28 degrees which is what i have always had it set at.

[TexmexVin590]

The salt will not hurt the other fish as a matter of fact would be good for them also.

[kazzy125]

I will give it a try thankyou guys for your help will let you know how i get on with him.

[mnemenoi]

Having read over your issues with your tank/gourami, I can only suggest a few remedies for your situation.

1. What are your exact water parameters? Ammonia? Nitrate? Nitrite? Ph? How much salt have/are you adding into the water? How often are you doing water changes and at what volume? With a heavily stocked tank of this size you will really need to be on tip top water parameters for everything to sail well. If you lack a master fresh water testing kit, I'd certainly suggest acquiring one eventually. It can really tell you volumes on what is going on that is not readily visible to the naked eye.

2. Your Honey Gourami is certainly what I would point out as your barometer in your tank for water quality, thus it will be the first to show signs of distress in that advent. It also can do well in our local water, but prefers softer and more acidic waters. All your livebearers would prefer their water a bit more salty and basic then everyone else, so though you could find a happy medium it is tough even for many of us keeping aquariums for years. Also The entire Colisa family (dwarf Gourami's) are notorious for bacterial and constipation issues. There are many suggestions on the net, from plants in their diet to live food. Occasionally it clears up, but nothing seems to be very affective on all accounts.

3. With the advent of 2 cases of bloat? I'd wager they are related. With the addition of a case of pop-eye in your swordtail, I'd say that the water parameters are swinging into stressful levels and the fish are giving you an indication that they are indeed stressed and are becoming infected with bacterial afflictions as a result. Perhaps it is due to the use of antbiotics in the tank (can very severely affect the biological cycle) or a number of differing factors that you had no control of. Your temp looks great, so I would suggest a 20% water change every day for a week using distilled water or another source that is free of any possible ammonia or nitrates. Clean all the filters thoroughly and consider adding another temporarily (small back filter), replace all the media and consider adding ammonia reducing agent to further clean/purify the water.

Hope that helps and if you have any questions feel free to ask away, good luck on your Honey Gourami they are one of my favs

[gourami momi]

Here's another question.

I am having the same problem with my honey(gold) gourami. Is aquarium salt as good as Epsom salt?

I am going to find a water testing kit as well.

[mistahoo]

Aquarium salt and Epsom salt are two different chemicals. One is magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) while the other is Sodium Chloride (NaCl or table salt). They have different effects and treat different things. Also to mention, Epsom salt is not really "salt", but just another mineral. Aquarium salt will not help with the bloating, but will reduce stress and promote healing of wounds. Epsom salt promotes healing as well, but also works as a laxative if injested. I would go to the store and buy some Epsom salt. Walmart, walgreens, cvs, target, randalls, or any other grocery store should have a bag of Epsom salt. Dose about 1 tbsp per 10gal.

[troy tucker]

+1 It is not the samething.
IMO: Epsom salt is all i will use and only if needed for health.

[mistahoo]

I generally use just table salt or aquarium salt when I have a feeling the fish are starting to get sick or if something is in the water (ich, etc.). On a norm, I don't add any salt. Specifically I use Morton Canning and Pickling salt because it doesn't have anti caking ingredient and a box runs about $1. Home Depot sells large bags of salt for cheap. I only use epsom salt if there is a problem with a fish's digestive tract or if they have bloat.