So, I just got two goldfish today and completely changed the water in the fish tank, and I just found out that you're not supposed to completely change the water. The water I also put was from the tap, and did not sit out. What do I do so that the fish don't die? And what kind of water am I supposed to change the fish water with, also do I change half of it?
2007-06-16 10:46:30 · 10 answers · asked by late.dawns 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
As far as what to do since you've already changed the water. I am not sure, try calling your local pet or aquatics store.
When you change the water, you are supposed to only take out a portion of the old water. And you should add solution to the water that removes chlorines and other substances in tap water.
When you change all of the water you are removing bad and GOOD bacteria that is very beneficial to the fish.
2007-06-16 10:50:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
GET A DE-CHLORINATOR! the fish will surely die if they are in nontreated tap water. tap water contains chlorine and chloramines that kill fish. goldfish can get pretty large, depending on the species, and should be kept in a tank that is suitable for their size. you should invest in a test kit. research the nitrogen cycle and how to properly cycle a tank. a heater is still needed, even though goldfish are cold water fish. the heater can be set at a low enough temperature to keep it constant. and of course, a filter. when you test the water, if ANY ammonia or nitrite is present, do a 30% water change. test again a few hours later. repeat until ammonia and nitrite are both 0. after the cycle is complete, change between 20-40% water once a week.
2007-06-16 10:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by Kerri 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason they are floating at the surface for more air has nothing to do with the cloudiness. They are suffocating. Goldfish cannot survive in bowls, they don't allow enough exchange of oxygen into the water. I would get at least a cheap 10 gallon tank asap to save their lives -- they are $9 at Walmart. Preferably I would also get a filter to ensure they can survive in the 10 gallon, but if you change the water a couple times a week they could make it for a while.
2016-05-17 11:14:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not want the goldfish in chlorinated water.
If you live in a city or town it will be chlorinated.
The Pet-store should have explained this to you.
Quickest is to get some bottled spring water.
You need enough to replace most of the tank.
You'll have to put the fish in some small jar,
of spring water, while you're doing this.
In future, just add a small amount each time.
You can put tap-water in a jug to evaporate chlorine.
2007-06-16 10:56:57 · answer #4 · answered by Robert S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how to change half of it, but the water you should use it tap water. Except, you put droplets of dechlorination in it. Ask for water drops at the petstore and they'll know what you mean. You can also use bottled water. You just need to make sure the water doesn't have chlorine or chemicals in tap water. Hope I help!
2007-06-16 10:49:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to buy some dechlorinator to put in the water after you change it to remove the chlorine from the water. I use tap water, thats fine but you have to remove the chlorine or it will kill your fish.Only change about 10% of your water when you do a water change.
2007-06-16 16:57:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't change the water frequently they will die for sure. They emit an ammonia type urine. Do you have them in an aquarium with a filter and pump? If so they take far less work.
Tap water is perfectly fine and it does not have to sit out.
You can change it all. I do, it makes for clearer water and a cleaner aquarium (I change it completely every few months, but I have a good filtration system) We have 13 gold fish in ours.
2007-06-16 10:53:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well first you condition your water, with water conditioners. Then your supposed to cycle your tank which takes weeks, or ammonia levels will sky rocket and your fishes die. Just buy a temporary bowl asap and put conditioned water and wait for your tank to cycle
2007-06-16 10:50:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You were so-post to put 1/2 new water and 1/2 the kind it came with. You are so-post to put not to warm or hot or to cold water but cold just not to cold OK.
2007-06-16 10:52:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php
http://www.aquariumpharm.com/en_us/productCategory.asp?categoryname=WaterConditioners
2007-06-16 10:59:52 · answer #10 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋