Why is my water cloudy? Would a change of tank help?

Question

I've 2 goldfish, they're about 7cm in size and they're currently in a round bowl (not covered or filtered) which holds about 13 litres. After a water change, the water gets cloudy within a few days. I've tried feeding them less (they aren't impressed with this) and it still hasn't changed. I changed their food to flakes, didn't help. I have them in my bedroom (is this the problem, they're not in direct sunlight) and was wondering if a filtered, rectangular tank would improve the problem. I hate seeing them swimming in the mist! Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks

Answer 1

The water is cloudy from build-up of waste products from the fish. Goldfish are VERY messy and require lots of filtration to keep their water healthy. This is why bowls are not a good idea for goldfish.
Each fish should have 10-15 gallons of water all to itself because of how messy they are and how big they get. You can expect your goldfish to reach a size of 20 or more cm in ideal conditions. These fish can live several years, so giving them a proper home is an excellent thing to do for them.

I would invest in a 20 gallon or larger fish tank, and until you can get one I would start changing their water daily so they don't have to keep swimming in and breathing the ammonia that is building up in their bowl. Feeding less is not a great idea because goldfish grow a lot and appreciate having enough food to eat. It would be best to put them in a tank with a strong filter that would allow you to feed them plenty without worrying about water quality.

For a very good overview of goldfish care, please see this care sheet:
http://thegab.org/Articles/GoldfishBasics.html

(The GAB is a forum dedicated to goldfish full of helpful people that can assist you with any issues you might have :) )

Answer 2

Two tiny flakes is enough for two goldfish. Goldfish don't actually have a stomach and can survive a long time without food. I am not suggesting you don't feed them I am stating a fact! Cut right down. Once a day, even every other day. Mine are perfectly happy.
I worked in an aquatics shop for 12 years and when people say less food it is usually still FAR TOO MUCH!
You need a proper tank with a filter. They aren't expensive and if you want pets you really need to be prepared to give them what they need.

Answer 3

The problem is you are changing 100% of the water. You should only be changing about 40-50% of a goldfish's water once a week.

All fish need filtration and water movement to re-oxygenate the water. A 10 or 20 gallon tank would be great for them. Whatever you have the room for or can afford.

BTW, no heat for goldfish, they are coldwater fish and like temps in the 60-65 degree range.

Answer 4

You are probably doing too good a job of cleaning the tank. You need to leave the beneficial bacteria in the tank (and leave a bit of crap so they won't starve) so they can continue to clean the water. After you clean the tank too well they are blooming free in the water at a huge rate making it cloudy. Next time, clean about 25% of the water every week (and a hungry fish is a really healthy fish).
A

Answer 5

don't feed them less, if they are very hungry and are not getting enough food they will start picking at each other which is something you do not want to happen as they will get stressed and die or else one will end up eating the other beforehand.

yes a filtered tank would probably solve your problem and also u can get minerals that you can add to your water which are very good and help to maintain a good quality of fish

Answer 6

a retangular tank with a filtrtion system will help alot. The water may be cloudy for a few days at first but will clear up quickly.

Answer 7

u need to change your water in the tank