My Gold Fish has the "Bends"

2012-07-15T11:13:00.001-07:00

So yesterday my 8 year old gold fish was found in my tank literally bent over and the bottom. I researched its symptoms and found that the most probably cause was Nitrate Poisoning.

Symptoms: loss of appetite; bottom sitting; bent positioning; curled positioning; crooked spine; uncontrolled swimming; swimming in circles; spasms or twitching

How to reduce nitrate levels safely:  Reduce nitrate levels gradually to reduce the risk of further injury. If you can't obtain water treatment that converts nitrates to a safer form; perform small (5% max) and frequent water changes until you believe 50% of the tank water has been exchanged; taking the entire day to do so. Repeat next day.

If you have or can obtain the proper water treatment; remove 5% of tank water; using enough treatment for 50% of tank size and return fresh water gradually; taking the entire day to do so; repeat next day.  Until oxygen levels are raised; use cold water from the tap with each water change; gradually lowering temperatures and nitrate levels. Goldfish are less susceptible to nitrates in colder temperatures because they use less oxygen; 55 to 60 degrees recommended during recovery period. This can be accomplished by using colder water with each fresh water change; cranking up the air conditioner; pointing a fan at the tank and placing frozen pop bottles in front of it, or chill some tank water in the fridge; the colder, the better.

Green Tea Treatment: (with caffeine) reduces the effects of nitrate shock or poisoning

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and pour over 6 small bags or one large bag of tea (per 10 gallons of tank water) steep until water has cooled to room temperature; premix in fresh water during 5% (of tank size) water change before adding to tank.

Perform (3) 5% water changes daily for three to five days after treatment.

Increase water depth by filling tank as high as possible during and after treatment. Reduce water depth gradually.

Any grocery store brand will work as long as it contains caffeine.
If three days after treatment your fish hasn't shown signs of improvement; repeat green tea treatment.

If after one week fish hasn't shown signs of improvement; the following treatment may be beneficial

I have been doing water changes since yesterday and i am about to try the Green Tea Treatment... hopefully it helps!

Aquarium Info

My Gold Fish has the "Bends"