I have a cold water Tetra that has a problem with it's swimming balloon? What is the best way to treat it?

Question

I have a cold water Tetra that has a problem with it's swimming balloon? What is the best way to treat it?

Answer 1

All Characins are tropical, a tetra is a Characin. You have already made a mistake by putting a tropical fish in a cold water tank. If by swimming balloon you mean it's swim bladder, you could try fasting your fish for 2-3 days and feeding it a pee.

Edit: Tiki if you can show me these tetra I would give you a Nobel prize. Some do okay in more moderate temperatures but there is no cold water tetra.

Answer 2

What type of tetra is it?  Most are tropical, there is a few species of tetras-I'd have to look them up, that are cool water.  

Find out for sure which your type is to start.  If it's in the wrong water conditions, that could be causing your problem.  

Also, poor water quality is a common cause of swim bladder issues.  Make sure your ammnia and nitrites are at 0 ppm, and nitrates under 20ppm.  Usually it's the high nitrates that cause the problem.  Be sure you're doing regular weekly water changes.

Constipation can also cause it.  Try feeding the fish the inside of a pea for a few days and see if it helps.  

Other causes-internal parasites, internal bacterial infections, genetics.  Try the other options first though and see if that works.

And, it's swim bladder, not swimming balloon :)

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Answer 3

Okay, no big problem here. Simply do not feed it for about 1-2 days. Now, (optional) is to go to the fish store and buy medicine although i wouldn't waste my money. Then after the 1-2 day period feed it half of a pea. yes, a pea. It's like laxative, and will talk the pressure off the fish's swim bladder.

Answer 4

all tetras are tropical and need to school in groups of 6+

i think you mean swim bladder

treat it with fish medicine and get a heater