Fish Struggling To Swim?

[pinkyandhannah]

Ok, so I have had these two neon tetras for four years, they have always been happy, and I really love them. However, one of the fish swims weird. She will swim to the bottom , but then she floats to the top. Every once in a while I catch her swimming normal again. She has been in a top corner on her side quite a few times, but a quick tap wakes her up and she's swimming. Any details you need about the tank, please let me know ASAP!

 

[TallTree01]

Hi Hannah. To help get to the root of this problem I'll need a bit more info:
How big is the tank?
Was it cycled?
What fish are in he tank?
What is your filtration?
What are the water levels ( ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, PH etc etc ) ?

 

[pinkyandhannah]

Tank: 2 gallons
Nope
2 Neon Tetras
Don't have a filter we hand clean. Our method: http/www.wikihow.com/Properly-Clean-a-Fish-Bowl-for-Small-Tropical-Fish
As I said. We don't have a test kit or anything so still unsure. Once you see this ill give you further info.

 

[Joshwainwright]

 
The problem you have is a build up of ammonia which has poisoned your fish. Without a filter, you don't have any beneficial bacteria which thrive on ammonia - which is produced by your fish and decaying matter. This bacteria converts ammonia into nitrite, which unfortunately is also toxic to your fish. Thankfully, there is a second colony of bacteria which converts nitrite into nitrate - which is harmless in controlled levels.
 
I'm actually amazed that your fish have lasted so long in such a small tank without a filter!
 
If you want to get in to fish keeping properly then I would recommend that you get a bigger tank and read up on cycling (the nitrogen cycle) in the Begginner's Resorce Centre

 

[phoenixgsd]

welcome to TTF, however, im not sure how to reply without offending you

 2 gallons with no filter with only two schooling fish im afraid is asking for a shortened lifespan