Never mind

[Magnum Man]

If a fish has a damaged swim bladder, will it get better over time???

 

[GaryE]

There's more than one sick fish there. The tails are really eaten away. I could not say what's wrong, but they don't look good.

 

[Archerfish]

I have kept and bred American Flag Fish and can say they look pretty stressed. Have you tested your water? They should not be hanging out at the surface like that. I would especially test for ammonia. Do you have string algae for them to eat?

 

[Magnum Man]

They came that way and worse… they are getting better… I’m wondering if the “tumbler” would get completely better over time, if it’s a swim bladder issue, or if it can’t swim straight ( maybe 1% of the time )could be fins or swim bladder???

 

[Archerfish]

I don't know. You mentioned a strong current in your tank. I live in Florida where they originate and can say for certain these are not fast water fish. They live in the ditches and canals. Many are simply dip netted out and then sold. Here is my take: Give them a chance.
Clearly, the fish are seriously stressed and need a calm, quiet environment with excellent water quality. Provide them with string algae. They love it and will devour large clumps quickly. Have you tested your water? How large is your tank? Is it fully cycled? What else is in the tank? Where did you acquire the fish? What is your water temperature?

 

[Magnum Man]

Tank has been running for about a year… but it’s alkaline water… I’ve not run the line to this part of the house from my RO filter yet… they are in with some rainbow fish... No ammonia in the water… very hard water though

 

[Magnum Man]

I assume they were over crowded at the seller, there was a very big size difference, the smaller ones were pretty beat up, when they came here

 

[Archerfish]

Your tank's water current is good for rainbows. The American Flag Fish should be able to adapt to your water conditions, but sick fish would be happier in a quiet, non-stressful environment. I can say from experience, they do not like high nitrates. Without any other information, seeing them at the surface like that would raise the 'high ammonia or high nitrate flag' resulting in a call to action. Have you recently tested your water? What are the parameters?

 

[Magnum Man]

I had just fed them… and they are eating good

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I had just fed them… and they are eating good

What's the result for nitrates in the water?

 

[Archerfish]

Well, that's a positive sign. I would give them time and a sheltered environment. Really, the American Flag Fish is best suited for a species tank. I know what is online about them being peaceful etc. and that is mostly true but if they breed.... What are your water parameters?

 

[Magnum Man]

I honestly haven’t tested that water in a couple weeks

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I honestly haven’t tested that water in a couple weeks

can you test it now?
Dude, you want advice, but won't answer people's questions. If you want help, you have to be willing to give the information people need in order to give good advice!

 

[Magnum Man]

Ok…my original question was, or meant to be… was if this is a swim bladder issue, will that get better, or should I kill the fish….

It came to me that way, it’s condition is not the result of my water…

I am really the busiest guy you will have ever met… but I will go down and test my water, just because you asked, even though it had nothing to do with my question

Ok I’m past due for a water change …. Nitrates at 20… everything especially is good, except the alkalinity, kh, and ph…. Which is why I spent the money putting in an RO unit… I have the plumbing to run it to this side of the house, but have not had time to do so.. .

 

[Magnum Man]

The end of my 1st post… “if it does have swim bladder issues, can that heal over time”