Curled or bent position in Goldfish
Two or more of the following symptoms may be associated with nitrate (the third and final conversion of the nitrogen cycle) poisoning; loss of appetite; bottom sitting; bent positioning; uncontrolled swimming; raised scales
Nitrate Poisoning
Nitrates are often confused with toxins similar to ammonia or nitrite, but this is not the case. High nitrate levels create dangerous water conditions by oxidizing the iron atoms in hemoglobin, and by reducing oxygen supply to the blood stream and tissue. This condition is called Methemoglobinemia; closely related to the effects of DCS.
High nitrates are often found in aquariums or ponds that are well established and perhaps overstocked. Typically there's no or very little algae, which feeds off nitrates lowering levels, and the goldfish keeper may have become lax on water changes. The symptom; bottom sitting is an effort made by the goldfish to equalize oxygen levels. The fish may exhibit bent positioning in the final stage; much like the scuba diver that swims in too deep of waters, or surfaces too quickly develops a disorder called decompression sickness (DCS) better known as 'the bends' or caisson disease.
High Nitrate Levels
If you suspect your goldfish of having nitrate poisoning perform the following procedure: Remove nitrates slowly; or further injury may occur.
Perform (6 to 8 total) 10% partial water changes; one change per hour; do not use water treatment (at this time) that removes nitrates as the sudden change in pressure could kill the fish. If you do have high nitrates all of the fish are being affected; some more sensitive than others.
After you've gradually removed nitrates from tank or pond proceed with the following treatment.
Treatment for nitrate poisoning
Administer salt bath for 3 minutes; 3 times a day (Do not use if fish has raised scales)
Goldfish that have been poisoned by nitrates develop extreme sensitivity to the toxin, tolerating it only at low levels
Salt Bath Double the salt dosage in this treatment Use fresh tap water in the salt bath, turning the faucet on full blast so that the water has supersaturated gases in it. This will help to decompress the concentrated oxygen levels in the fish's blood stream. Although these gases can be dangerous for goldfish over an extended time, used as a treatment can be beneficial. Use a deep container for the bath to increase pressure. It is beneficial to hold fish in cupped hands; towards bottom of container
Keep a close watch on fish; return to tank if any signs of stress appear
If nitrates are an ongoing problem in your tank or pond, check the nitrate levels in your tap water first and foremost; if this isn't the case; consider some or all of the following options:
1. Increase water changes; reduce stocking levels
2. Encourage algae or plant growth; plants feed on nitrates keeping your tank or pond water safer, allowing you to change out less water; less frequently. Algae and Green Water
3. Feed more goldfish food that is low in protein; less goldfish food high in protein; food high in protein produce waste high in protein; which create high nitrate levels. Peas are very nutritious and have no protein value.
4. Use a full dose (entire tank size) of water treatment that specifically eliminates nitrates with every water change.
5. Check under ornaments and decorations for build up of waste.
If you are on a well; live in a rural area; have your nitrate levels checked yearly, for your goldfish's safety and your family's too. High nitrates are often found in farming communities due to the use of fertilizers.
Study the 10 Steps to see if you're providing the best care possible for your goldfish.
Copyright 2008
