Goldfish scraping themselves on the tank?

Question

A couple of my goldfish seem to be scraping their bodies on things in the tank now and then. They don't have any other symptoms of ich or parasites -- how should I treat this? I am going to try another partial water change. Is this definitely an illness, or is it a reaction to something else? I have been keeping the tank clean and at normal levels, but a recent high normal level had one of my fish floating near the top, which she stopped once I did another partial water change. Should I do a greater water change, or treat them? Last time I got a new fish was about a week ago or so. Thanks!

For one of the answerers: Four years is by no means old age for a goldfish, that is still a baby! It can live ten plus years, even 20 plus depending on what type it is. Mine are fancies. I do give mine peas regularly and do the water changes. My bio wheel isn't working, that normally helps. I think I may need to upgrade soon or something, to keep these guys healthy.

Answer 1

It's possible that you are seeing the effects of an ammonia spike in the tank, but just as likely that it's a parasite of some type. My suggestion is to do a 50% water change first since that will help with either problem and then treat the tank with a parasite medication like maracide. Watch your ammonia levels closely and change water as needed to keep it under control if you have any ammonia problems.

MM

Answer 2

i clean my fish out every 6 weeks and i take a quarter of the water out. this is what my local vet, local fish and pet centre and my fish shop suggested. you have to de-chlorinate the water (cold out of tap) before you put it in. and we have been told to put a frozen green pea in every fortnight WITHOUT the skin on, in helps with stomach problems, constapation and pregnancy FACT!!! i know it sounds wierd but its true. also fish like to eat funguy off the sides and other stuff so dont get rid of it all. i feed my fish every two or three days with about five-7 flakes per fish. i have had around 70 fish with a long life span over the past few years and six frogs (and two lobsters but theygot obesed and died so they bacame lunch!). they all lived for a long time (apart from the lobsters because we hadnt had them before!) by that method. my daughter won a half dead gold fish at a carnival about four years ago and its lived to this day healthy and breathing although in old age! so for us this has been the most useful method =! give it a go! no worries Hun XXXXX

Answer 3

Try adding an ich preventive. If symptoms don't go away within 48 hours, go ask your local pet store.