bloated discus

[sublimetruth1982]

One of my discus has a fat belly and its been this way for a couple of weeks. I haven't seen it eat these past weeks. Maybe it is eating but I don't think so. I just got back from the fish store and got some salt. Is there anything else I should do?

sublimetruth1982

[Carol_Roberts]

Epsom Salt is different from aquarium salt. It is magnesium sulfate and sold in most grocery stores in the people medication section to soak feet. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons per 10 gallons.

[sublimetruth1982]

Hi Carol, So your saying I should use epsom salt instead. What's the use for aquarium salt?

[Carol_Roberts]

Epsom salt is for constipation.

Regular salt is a mild antifungal/antibiotic that can make your fish feel a little better.

[sublimetruth1982]

Should I move the bloated discus to its own tank? There six other discus in the tank. Is it ok just to leave all of them together? I have also notice the color of the bloated discus is not as clean. When I first got it it was very clean now there are black spots should I be worried?

[Carol_Roberts]

black speckles are from stress - he doesn't feel good. leave him in the tank with the other fish. The epsom salt won't hurt anything.

[sublimetruth1982]

I put some epsom salt in the tank, the discus isn't bloated anymore. He does look terrible, staying near the surface of the water and still not eating. He looks pale. What should I do? It's my favorite discus and I'm worried.

[Carol_Roberts]

It must be more than just constipation if he is still pale and hanging out at the top of the tank. I don't have a magic cure for that. Observe him and see if there are more symptoms.

[sublimetruth1982]

My bloated discus died today after I got home from school. I treated him then he got bloated again, but he was in terrible condition this time. This was my favorite discus and a discus I paid the most for out of my collection. Good color and shape. I'm in the worst mood after having a bad day and long day of college exams. What a day! :'(

sublimetruth1982

[Carol_Roberts]

:'(

[jules]

Better days ahead.....