Poor thing is hanging on. He's constantly at the top; though he's swimming better today than yesterday. I think he was somewhat sick before I changed water, but with water change I perhaps shocked him. I'm new to the care of goldfish. Should I purchase an antibiotic? He's quarantined. I really think there's hope for him. In general how do you care for goldfish? I don't want this to happen again. Thanks to all in advance.
2006-07-15 06:50:40 · 10 answers · asked by Stillstanding 2 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/care.html
2006-07-15 07:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by spaceytracey3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your fish now-
Is he in a filtered tank? if not then you need to get an air stone in the bowl. Hanging at the surface is a sign of low oxygen levels. If he is in a filtered tank then he may have a parasite called gill flukes. This would also prevent him from getting enough O2.
If he is floating up to the surface and doesn't seem as though he can swim back down then he is having swim bladder issues. It would be caused by the way you are feeding him. If you feed flakes put them below the surface of the water- this way your goldie won't gulp at the surface. If you feed pellets then soak them in water to get the O2 out before feeding.
Try to keep him somewhere dark and quiet. Do not disturb him. DO NOT medicate unless you know exactly what is wrong. Most the time improving water conditions will be enough to help a fish kick a minor infection.
General care-
Fish get sick because of por water conditions. Chances are you have your goldfish overcrowded. Goldies should be kept 1 fish per ten gallons. As they get larger most people give them even more space then that. There are a few reasons for such large accommodations.
1. Goldfish are dirty. They produce a lot of ammonia. A mechanical filter does not remove this from your tank. The bacteria that live in the rocks and gravel do. Your tank can only sustain so much of this bacteria. So- if you have more fish then the bacteria can handle the toxins in the water increase killing your fish.
2. Goldfish get very large. By keeping them in small environments you stunt this growth. It is unhealthy and often leads to swim bladder issues.
Goldfish have a reputation- people think they live a couple of years at most. They think they can live in bowls. In reality goldfish should live up to 40 years- keeping them in bowls and small tanks kills them very young. People also think goldfish are hardy- bullocks. I have a variety of different aquariums- my Goldie's are the most work and I would say the most delicate.
I normally do a 25% water change on weds. and on sat. on my Goldie's. I have 6 fish in a 75 gallon. 2 of which are only 3" long. They require a lot of maintenance with that much room- think about how much yours would need in comparison.
Good Luck!
2006-07-15 07:17:25 · answer #2 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you change your water, you should let it sit until it is the same temperature as the current water. You can find a water treatment to put into the water, before adding your fish. This neuralizes the chemicals. You may not be able to revive him. Just leave him be. It may take him a few days to acclimate. See if he has little white spots. If he does you can get him some "ick" medicine. That may help. Good luck!
2006-07-15 07:02:16 · answer #3 · answered by sarlha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With ANY fish, when you change the water, make sure the water is the same temperature as the water the fish came from, or is in while being "held" during the water change. Make sure you add the right amount of dechlorinator to the water so there is no tap-water chlorine in the water...it kills fish quickly, burns thier gills! good luck
2006-07-15 07:01:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When our fish was won at the school carnival by trying to toss a bamboo ring around the fish bowl, Needless to say he was traumatized! The Pet store said to drop 'bubbles' into a cold bowl of water! It worked! Bubbles made a full recovery!
Good Luck!
2006-07-15 07:00:31 · answer #5 · answered by Titzen_Ash_23 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
provided he is still alive when you change the water keep some of the old water,he will need some of what's in that water. if you are using a filter with charcoal be sure to wash it first. also ask the pet shop for some advice. by the way different localities have different things in there tap water.
2006-07-15 06:58:47 · answer #6 · answered by insane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get 12 cents and go to petco and say i need a gold fish then go home and put it in a pot with water noduh
2006-07-15 06:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should go to the petshop and buy him something. I've gone through my fair share of goldfish and i know its up to you to make them better.
2006-07-15 08:22:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure hes got flowing water running threw his gills and cross your fingers. XXXXXXXXX
2006-07-15 07:37:11 · answer #9 · answered by nikgy71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a dumbass you can't revive a fish
2006-07-15 12:03:31 · answer #10 · answered by Darkblue15 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋