Goldfish keeps floating up to the surface
 

One of my goldfishes, about 1.5 inch, is struggling to keep itself from floating up to the surface. It has to constantly fight against it by swimming downwards. Sometimes it would stop, and it would float to the surface upside now.

I just fed it no more than 1 hour ago, some floating flakes. Was it because it took in some air while eating from the surface? What can I do to help it?

Thank you

I agree with lupin, but I want to add make sure that your water parameters are ok, and give your goldi atleast 20g

But will the air be able to get purged out of the goldfishes??

Where is the cheapest place I can buy some sinking pellets? I went to Walmart but they were all of the floating type :(

Hikari Lionhead can be ordered online at Goldfish Utopia. There's also Mazuri gel food. I'd pick 5M70 or 58LK codes for your young goldfish. You can still have a cheaper alternative by making a cup of gel food enough to last a week using sardines, Knox gelatin, acidophilus, vegetables, calcium and multivitamins. The surplus can still be fed to your other fish.

The air should be purged out by epsom salt.

Thanks Lupin!

Can aquarium salt take the place of epsom salt?

Nope. You'll want to use epsom salt.

Thank you!

Do I only place 1/8 teaspoon of epsom salt regardless of tank size? what is the suggested ratio of epsom salt to gallon?