How Can I Protect My Fish From Gas Bubble Disease?

Aquariums with lots of lighting are where gas bubble illness is most prevalent when algae bloom. The cause is an up to four-fold excess in oxygen saturation during the day, followed by a sharp fall in oxygen content at night. The fish's blood becomes saturated with oxygen as a result of the brief oxygen saturation of the water. The pressure of this gas equalizes between the fish's blood and the water that passes through its gills as the pressure between the water and air equalizes. Gas bubble disease in fish causes the fish's blood arteries to constrict during this process, which causes ischemia in some organs and may cause necrosis in others.

It can also happen to fish that have just been transferred from another tank or that have been transported in an unsafe manner. The transportation of fish in plastic bags with artificial oxygen is another aspect that may contribute to it. As a result, the gas pressure rises, increasing the pressure in the fish's circulatory system and causing bubbles to form that may obstruct blood vessels.

Symptoms

The fish exhibit apparent restlessness and extreme skittishness in the early stages of the illness as they swim restlessly just below the water's surface. The fins may occasionally tremble in response. After some time, they grow bored. Fish become bloated and are carried to the surface when gas builds up in the swim bladder or digestive system. The blood arteries in the fins and gills of giant fish have tiny gas bubbles that are extremely visible. Sometimes, it's also possible to see fish with hazy eyes or ragged fins by the gas bubble.

As a result of gas bubble illness, little gas bubbles start to form in the fish's gills, fins, and eyes, harming the fish's tissue. If the tissue damage is severe enough, the fish may potentially pass away.

Fish are cold-blooded, which means that their environment's temperature affects how hot or cold they feel inside. A quick increase in water temperature or a sudden rise in pressure can cause the water they live in and their bloodstreams to become supersaturated with gases.

The abrupt heating of the aquarium's cold water can release and trap gases, which can lead to bubble gas disease in the fish. Similarly, adding well water through a buried hose can cause pond or tank water to become supersaturated with gases.

Treatment

The amount of oxygen in the water should be kept under control during the gas bubble disease treatment. A knowledgeable aquarist merely needs to monitor the fish and the water, but appropriate tests are also offered in the aquarium industry. The aquarium's site must be chosen carefully. It shouldn't be put in a location with direct sunlight or close to a window. Also, you ought to regularly aerate the water and just fill it off with standing water. Also, stay away from abrupt water temperature changes. Aquatics Fish Medications can be helpful in addressing specific issues that arise in maintaining fish health and treating water conditions effectively.

As soon as you see the signs of gas bubble disease, move the fish to a tank with 10-15 mg/l of ideal oxygen as soon as you can. Reduce the number of plants in the aquarium if this isn't possible, and use cubes with coarse holes to apply intense water aeration (large bubbles). Limiting the use of harsh lighting is also a brilliant idea. The main aquarium should be left alone to allow the saturated gases in the water to equalize with the ambient air pressure. Unless the body's alterations are sufficiently advanced, all gas sickness symptoms in our patients should go away within a few days (e.g., damage to the gills). Then, we put such people to death.

After this time, we may return the fish to the main aquarium and boost their immune systems with the proper vitamins and water treatment treatments.

To Sum Up

The bubbles are typically lanced, which requires antibiotics to prevent infection. Exophthalmos can be treated with medicines injected around the eyes. Nonetheless, it might result in swim bladder or buoyancy issues, so administering medication through the eyes is uncommon. It is also possible to remove the eyes if necessary if gas bubble illness affects them or results in blindness.

On the other hand, you can just replace half of the aquarium's water if there are fewer bubbles. So, you need to use caution when using fresh water. Otherwise, it will result in additional harm. You should also remove the garbage and other materials from your aquarium.

Using a gravel hoover in this situation will be pretty beneficial and simplify maintenance. It contributes to the cleaning of gravel and sand, the removal of dirt, and the changing of water. Also, the gravel washing tube's 3D filter basket stops small fish and debris from being vacuumed up during vacuuming.

Read More:- How Can Gas Bubble Illness Be Treated in Freshwater Fish?