2007-02-08 17:30:39 · 13 answers · asked by xboxturbo 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
It looks like its sucking the water. I just got the fish yesterday. The water is purified and water is clean, so why is the fish doing this?
2007-02-08 17:49:12 · update #1
purified as in purified bottled water? that stuff isn't good for fish. they are better with tap water with conditioner in it or spring water. purified water has all the solids taken out and the fish need the solids.
anyway goldfish are little swimming pigs and like sucking in oxygen as much as they like eating too much. they can deplete the oxygen in water very quickly . it is best to do frequent water changes as the fresh water will have oxygen in it .
2007-02-08 18:04:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, don't use purified water, there are no minerals. Use tap water with dechlorinator. How big is the tank? Goldfish need 10 gallons per 3 inches of fish. If the tank is too small, ammonia will build up in the water and kill the fish. It may seem like clean water to you, but there are chemicals changing in the water all the time.
2007-02-08 22:29:42 · answer #2 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He's suffocating. Goldfish need an air source. Preferably a good filter, but at the very least, an air pump. If you don't get one, he will very likely die in a short time. Not only from lack of oxygen, but also from getting too much air in its stomach, causing swim bladder disease and also from bad water. I'm glad you purified the water, though. Was this with chemicals or with a bottled water. If you use bottled water, it should be spring water, not distilled water. You should also add some Stress-Coat to reduce stress and improve its slime coat and some Bio-Spira to get some beneficial bacteria in the water. Also, remember the rule, 10 gallons of water minimum per each goldfish. The water will foul far too quickly in a smaller aquarium which will require more frequent water changes than the standard 25% per week water change which will constantly throw off your water cycling. Keeping all these things in mind will keep your goldy happy and healthy! Good luck with your new little friend!
2007-02-08 18:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he's doing this after feeding, it's common, as goldfish "chew" their food and swallow it as it softens. However, if he's at the surface constanly, it may mean that he isn't getting enough air.
One main sign of lack of oxygen in the water is rapidly flapping his gill covers. If this is happening, your little friend is certainly not getting enough air.
If your fish has other symptoms and is in a filtrated and aerated container, it is possible that your goldie has a disease and isn't just oxygen starved.
For the majority of owners, the reason for this behavior is being housed in a container that is too small. If he's living a a bowl, it is too small. Even if you have an enormous glass bowl, it isn't enough. Any type of goldfish requires LOTS of air and LOTS of space.
I suggest purchasing a water testing kit (available for about 11 dollars at petsmart) and ensuring that your tank has the appropriate pH (7.0-7.5) amount of nitrate (40ppm or less) a minute (<0.1ppm) amount of nitrite, and that your ammonia is in check.
So, 1) if you have no aeration, get a small bubbler or a hanging filter that will break the surface of the water.
2) Feed your goldie cooked, unsalted, unshelled peas for the next 3-4 days (til all his poop is green and solid (no spaces)). [You'll want to give about 3 twice a day or as much as he'll eat in 2 minutes]
3) check the water parameters (pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia)
4) Keep your eyes out for any other signs of disease.
Happy keeping,
Annetheana
2007-02-08 18:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Annetheana 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you make sure the water is purified? I had a goldfish once that kept doing that...he died the next day and it turned out it was because I stuck him in regular old tap water without a purifying pellet thing.
2007-02-08 17:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's not enough oxygen in the water. The tank may be too small. The water may be poluted. Give more details and the problem could be solved better.
2007-02-08 17:44:31 · answer #6 · answered by DAGIM 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The poor fish has gas...you shouldn't buy cheap food!
Lets put it on stat, hopefully it'll survive the night.
2007-02-08 17:32:49 · answer #7 · answered by ♥S0uNd 0f InSaN!Ty ♥ SS 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Need Beano.
2007-02-08 17:38:18 · answer #8 · answered by Revenant Hamster 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Taking up oxygen from the air.......
2007-02-08 17:34:01 · answer #9 · answered by Stefan Kho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might be dieing or the water is dirty
2007-02-08 17:34:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋