I have a goldfish and I got a week ago. He is in a very tiny tank and is all by himself. He doesn't look sick but he just not eating. His tank also doesn't have a filter or any electronics or plants, just gravel. Please tell me what is wrong with him, what medicines I can use for him and anything else that is important. Thanks!
2006-10-26 10:46:00 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Firstly, NO FILTER? That's like living in your own waste, Also goldfish need quite alot of room, my 70L tank can only fit two goldfish in it whereas it can fit alot more tropical fish. PLANTS are needed for him to hide behind, he's probably not eating because he is stressed and upset.
2006-10-26 10:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by Grace H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How new is your tank? I it’s a new tank, he may be suffering from new tank syndrome. Goldfish are hearty normally they can handle this.
A few reasons why your goldfish not eating or may refuse to eat could be simply because they dislike the food you are giving them. Although this is usually uncommon, considering goldfish are known for their gluttonous nature, you could very well have unique goldfish that have decided they only like a certain style of food. If you believe this could be the reason for their lack of eating, test out different food options, and see if anything whets their appetite.
The only other reason why your fish may not eat could be because they are ill, are in shock or unhappy. Look at him well make sure their aren't any white spots, black spot or spots period on him, Make sure there isn't a white film, or a stringy, foamy substance on him. Make sure his fins aren't clamped together; make sure his color is nice and still bright. If any of these things are occurring then you should be a bit more concerned. There are wonderful free solutions all of the net, Education is the very best key.
Steps to Goldfish Success:
1. Have patience - Study about your proposed fish requirements and needs then set-up the tank well before a fish is introduced.
2. Set-up your tank.
3. Allow the tank sufficient time to cycle.
4. Adequate filtration systems for the tank size be it mechanical, biological… or both.
5. Temperature between 64 and 74ºF.
6. Use only substrate, accessories, plants (live) and decorations that are meant for aquariums
7. Lots of aeration or water movement (non-moving tanks cause problems)
8. PH level of at least 7.2
9. Partial water changes weekly (10-15% for tanks, 20-25% for ponds, usually done as part of the siphoning process)
10. Constantly monitor your fish behavior and swimming patterns so you can act early on any problems or changes.
11. Salt at the first indication of problems
And remember all this stuff is just fine for your fish, but like i said once before Goldfish are hearty and can take being in a bowl or unfiltered tank, at the cost of much more work for you.
Check him out really well and let us know. What you see if anything at all.
Take care and Good luck with your new buddy.Goldfish are really nice pets.
2006-10-26 11:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by ******************** 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i have had tons of other fish including gold fish lets put it like this all fish need filters. Second it will need a heater and a light around 40-50 watts a bigger tank will help. Try changing the food put a few plants i there i recomend 2. Also these fish like to hide sometimes and well this may sound chessy but get it a plastic castle or something of that nature and a nother fish or 2 may help. And if that dose not help make sure it is in quiter place. and I hope it dose better!
2006-10-26 12:54:13 · answer #3 · answered by nick l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh gosh yes agree with the rest of the posts. Your fish is lonely and depressed he doesn't feel the love. Give him oxygen, a filter for clean water especially since goldfish are very dirty and put off lots of waste. You also need to change the water at least once a week. Come on how gross he is dying from breathing his own waste help this poor fish out please!!
I had a goldfish it died on me but I at least tried to help the guy out with a filter and plants. My tank was still to small and its a 5 gallon octagon tank.
2006-10-26 11:01:04 · answer #4 · answered by ~#1 MaMa~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. You NEED a filter. Trust me. I have two huge goldfish who live in a fifty-five gallon tank with a huge (amazing) filter system, without that filter I doubt they'd survive. Also--what kind of food are you feeding it? Try Omega One. Another question: Is the tank round? Goldfish DO NOT like round tanks. It stresses them out.
2006-10-26 10:53:55 · answer #5 · answered by Monklet 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Grace.
Your fish is probably too stressed. Put at least a plastic plant to allow your fish to hide.
But if you do not change ALL the other mistakes (a small tank, no filter etc) your fish will certainly die.
2006-10-26 10:56:08 · answer #6 · answered by Peter pan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey something that has not been mentioned but is a good idea is make sure mithing is moving too much around him.That may stress him out.Good luck!
P.S. I reported the man who cursed at you.
2006-10-26 11:52:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't try to over feed , i would put a small plant in just to make him feel at home , he will eat when he wants too. but is he a feeder or an special one . you might have to get a smaller one to give him something to do .
2006-10-26 10:54:05 · answer #8 · answered by yorkies2@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋