Don't hurt me for asking, but...

[kazzberry]

Could anybody fully explain the "pea method" to me, and under what definite circumstances should it be done? I know this has been asked many times, but I can't seem to find any of the entries. I have two fish who have reasonably big bellies and are stuck at the surface at the water. Constipated? They've been like this for weeks. Are they doomed? I

Comments

[kaluaru]

If they're "stuck at the surface", odds are they are having swim bladder issues due to constipation. Fast them for three days. If their bellies don't go down, then feed the inside of a once-frozen pea that you've 'cooked' by putting into water in the microwave for about a minute.

That sounds like ammonia burn, for the 'blobs of blood'. It comes from when the water is too dirty. Just make sure you clean your water enough [[1 gallon of water = 100% cleaning every one week; half-gallon of water = 100% cleaning every four days, etc]].

I know that the ever-busy kittencuffs, our other mod, is working on tagging the entries, which should help with the 'faq-esque' thing you're talking about. : D

[kazzberry]

I've fasted them for three days, and it still hasn't gone away. So I will try the pea method as soon as possible. Is it recommended to put them in a smaller 'hospital' tank while doing so, in case the pea sinks? The poor things can't swim downwards, and chasing after something that's sank is nearly impossible. :x

Ammonia burn? Ouch. It's odd, because I've been doing regular water changes and still some of them have it. But I'll make sure to keep an eye on their ammonia levels and not miss a cleaning day.

Tagging sounds excellent! I hate having to re-ask questions that I know have been asked already.

Thanks for the help!

[kaluaru]

The smaller hospital tank will also help to determine if they poop.

How big is the tank, and how often are you doing changes?

Sure, anytime. : DD That's why we're here.

[kittencuffs]

Blood at the tips of fins usually come about when the fin is being burned by ammonia. Test your tanks and see where the ammonia is--and also test your tap water, to see if there's ammonia present there.