Sick Guppy please help?

Question

my female guppy is not doing well, she is having extreme trouble swimming, she does not seem to be able to control it very well. when ever she swims she almost always ends up upside down. she is in a hospital tank. but now what do i do

Answer 1

This can be a symptom of several problems including those already suggested.

Unfortunately one other possibility is Ichthyophonus which is a fungus NOT to be confused with ich (Ichthyophthirius). This is nearly impossible to treat (although not totally) but is more preventable. Good water parameters such as these (for guppies) are important for prevention:
*Ammonia/nitrites- 0
*pH- stable (over 7.5 preferably)
*KH- over 100+ for guppies (important for pH stability)
*GH- over 200+ for guppies (important for electrolytes, osmotic function, and more)

As also already stated, good feeding practices including a healthy and varied diet that may include Spirulina Algae (best in the form of Spiulina 20 brand Flake), Brine Shrimp, and even hulled peas.

Treatment possibilities include Kanamycin and Neomycin; both are well absorbed internally and would be effective for swim bladder infections too

I recommend reading this article about Ichthyophonus for verification whether this is the problem or not:
http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2007/05/ichthyophonus-in-fish.html

Answer 2

Your fish might be constipated. You should not feed the fish for a day and then offer it high fiber food such as a softened green pea with the hull removed. After a day or so things should improve.

If that doesn't do the trick you are most likely facing a swim bladder infection. This will require treatment with an antibiotic. Furnace is the best choice for this treatment but if that's not available you can use tetracycline.

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 3

This sound like an internal bacteria problem visit the pet shop and get some internal bacteria remedy.
if you have cought it early enough it will survive if not you will loose the fish but it will help out any fish still in the tank

Answer 4

This sounds like a swim bladder problem. Check with your local pet store for meds. Unfortunately this condition is usually fatal, although it may also correct itself.