Bloaded and breating fast.

Laker32 · Feb 12, 2016

I have a Blue Neon goby that's been in my tank for 2.5 years and I have know idea what has caused his stomach to swell up. This started after I did a major overhaul on my 24gal tank. His stomach keeps getting bigger by the day and he's very lethargic with fast breathing. He's still slowly eating, but he's been like this for the last two weeks. Any help would be appreciated.

melypr1985 · Feb 12, 2016

If he's still eating try feeding him a peeled boiled pea. It should help flush him out. Also use epsom salt to reduce the swelling. Feeding vitamin enriched foods after the pea will help as well.

Epsom Salt: Treats eye and other injuries. Popeye in one eye usually means injury, but popeye in both eyes usually denotes a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment. Cloudy eye can be a bacterial infection or flukes.

How To Treat - 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of aquarium water. Repeat only once, if necessary. Use only “USP” grade Epsom salt.

Pros - Reef safe, as Epsom salt is just magnesium sulfate.

Cons/Side Effects - The effects of excessive sulfate in a reef aquarium are not fully known.