My fish swimming to the bottom and then floating to the top??

Question

I have an angel fish in a bowl and the guy told me I had to buy salt to help with the buoyancy. But my fish swims to the bottom and then floats to the top quickly...almost sideways like...it seems like he's havin some trouble in the water..is it cause of the salt? do I need more or less? or is it something else?

Answer 1

It's dying!
You've probably put way too much salt in there. Aquarium angel fish, the ones about two inches across, need fresh water (not salt water).
There are salt water angel fish but they are rather large and you'd need a really large aquarium for them.
He was meaning that in fresh water just a tiny bit of salt helps to prevent a parasitic or bacterial skin condition.
Put the fish in purer fresh water until you can figure out what amount you actually need of the salt.

Answer 2

The salt is to lower stress levels and does make sense considering the symptoms you mentioned. But for buoyancy? I doubt it, sounds like the guy was full of it.
About the salt, it has to be the kind made for aquariums, not table salt. And you should only use like 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water.
You mention that your Angel fish is in a "Bowl"?
That is not really the recomended housing for a tropical fish (which a Angel fish is). Should at least be a 10 gallon aquarium. If there is no oxygen circulating in the tank that is why your fish is dying.
Tropical fish HAVE to have these three things...
1. A heater on the tank to regulate a temp that isn't above 80 or below 74 degree farinheight.
2. Tap water conditioner, something to remove harmful metals in the water, usually called "Stress Coat" or
"Tap Water Conditioner"
3. Air circulation, this can be accomplished with the system filter. Air stones and bubble wands are extra, but not neccessary.

Here is my advice. If you can,try to return the fish for another. It will most likely not come out of this shock. Sorry.
Research the web for some simple tropical fish keeping instructions. Don't rely on the folks at the pet store to know what they are talking about. I know I use to work at two of them. It's sad how much BS comes out of those places.
start out with less expensive fish and work up to Angels, they aren't known for being the easiest to keep. They should have told you that at the store.

Answer 3

The idiot that told you an angelfish needed salt for buoyancy should be fired. Also, if he knew you were keeping it in a bowl and said nothing, he is worse than an idiot.

A little salt is beneficial for all tropicals, but only about a tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. It helps them generate their slime coating and keeps bacteria and parasites from gaining a foothold in your tank. Don't forget, though, salt does not evaporate as the water does, so only add more salt if you physically take water out (as when you do your water changes). If you just add water to make up for evaporation, do not add more salt.

Angel are tropical fish and need warm (76 degrees) water. Therefore you need a heater. Bettas (pronounced bet-tah, not bay-tah) need warm water too, they come from Thailand (formerly Siam, hence the name "Siamese Fighting Fish") where it is regularly in the 80's and 90's. Their water should be at or near 80.

You should have your angel in an aquarium of at least 10 gallon capacity. They only cost about $9-10. Get a filter and do regular water changes. About 25-30% per week. That is the best thing to do to keep your fish healthy.

Answer 4

maximum fish pass by ability of alternately contracting paired units of muscle mass on the two factor of the backbone. those contractions type S-formed curves that pass down the physique. As each and each curve reaches the returned fin, backward rigidity is utilized to the water, and alongside with the fins, strikes the fish forward. The fish's fins functionality like an plane's flaps. Fins additionally enhance the tail's floor section, increasing speed. The streamlined physique of the fish decreases the quantity of friction from the water. for the reason that physique tissue is denser than water, fish could desire to make amends for the version or they'll sink. Many bony fish have an inner organ referred to as a swim bladder that adjusts their buoyancy by way of manipulation of gases.

Answer 5

Salt won't help the buoyancy of a fish, that guy gave you bad advice.

If too much salt was added in a short period of time, it can definately make matters worse.

Answer 6

Angels don't do well in bowls. the Angel is going up and down because it needs more room and air. You might lose the angel fish. if you want to keep the bowl try putting a betta in it. Betta's do just fine in bowls. They don't need an air pump(bubble maker) or heater. Angels need a air pump, large tank, filter, and a heater. Betta's can make their own air, they don't need a heater if you keep them in a warm part of the house, and if you change there water often they won't need a heater.

Answer 7

usually salt does help a lot it is probably because of your ph in the tank or chlorine or metals. it is probably dying and beyond repair. Sorry to be so honest.

Answer 8

angel fish don't need salt water!!

Answer 9

fish is dying get ready to flush it

Answer 10

THAT MEANS ITS DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!