All of a sudden, my three goldfish are all hiding in a corner underneath the filter. Their tails are flipping really fast, but I don't understand why they are not swimming anywhere else.
2007-06-24 06:53:19 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Also, the fish tank was just changed several days ago but they were acting fine just yesterday.
2007-06-24 06:57:38 · update #1
The additional information you added unlocked the key to the problem. No pH problem, no bacterial infection, nothing like that. What you are dealing with is an ammonia problem.
When you cleaned the filter you may have cleaned it a bit too well and killed most all of the beneficial bacteria that normally lives in the filter. This has allowed the ammonia levels in the tank to get too high for the fish, it just took a few days to build up and hence the delayed reaction.
A 50% water change now and a 25% per day for the next few days should solve the problem and keep the ammonia level low enough for the fish until the bacteria can grow back.
MM
2007-06-24 07:25:06 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, what type of container are you keeping them in. Is it a fish bowl or a fish tank? If it is a fish bowl then you have too many in it. Another thing, did you treat your water before adding the fish, and possible allowing the bowl or fish tank to "cycle" for the beneficial bacteria that they will need? Also, how cold is your water? If the water is too cold then you need to provide heat by adding a heater. Read up on how warm or cool the water should be so that you can keep it at the right tempt. Another thing, did you allow you fish to float a little while in the oringinal container before adding them to their home. If you just dumped the fish in, this could cause shock which will kill your fish.
2016-04-01 02:17:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely they are hanging out in that spot either because the temperature is better there or the oxygen content is higher. Having just changed the water is a clue. If you didn't change the filter at the same time, do so now. Check the temperature. Try adding some dechlor, and test your water or have it done at your pet shop.
2007-06-24 07:02:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi Rachel, . Although Goldfish are not natural schooling fish they will sometimes group together in a tight, skittish bunch & 'twitch' as you mention if they get spooked. If they are showing no outward signs of illness or infection & are otherwise eating & behaving normally I don't think there is anything to worry about. Streamlined, non-fancy types are more prone to this behaviour & it's merely their wild carp ancestry coming out.
Sometimes mine will do his & all huddle in a cave, the reason's often change in the weather-particularly if thunderstorms are about. Usually they will nominate one 'scout' & send him out to check the coast is clear-once no danger has been determined they are back to grubbing about as if nothing happened!
*I have to say your additional info puts a new light on this & agree with Magic Man about the water changes but bear my previous info in mind if you see any skittish behaviour in future when there has been no change to your tank environment!*
2007-06-24 07:33:48 · answer #4 · answered by John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you just add them to the tank right when you get home they could be in shock from a sudden water change which cause them to have a lot of stress and will take some time to recover and check the water temperature they like to be in the temperature zone of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
And it could be because they are still not used to your tank from tank size to different types of fish and etc.
Heres a site to help you:
http://www.goldfishinfo.com/
2007-06-24 07:00:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
it might the temp of your tank, stress, over feeding, underfeeding,your tank might be dirty, putting to many chemicals in the tank there are tons of reasons. just try to clean out the tank really good and out some stress drops in with them and make sure you are feeding the right amount.
2007-06-24 06:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by crazy_cat_lady 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Watch them carefully they're planning to tunnel out and escape!
2007-06-24 07:03:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe they are scared of something u can't see
2007-06-24 07:14:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tested your water reccently, I suggest you do a water change
2007-06-24 06:57:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
check the PH.. it should be 7.
and treat for a bacterial infection - medication from your local petshop.
.
2007-06-24 06:59:21 · answer #10 · answered by raspberryswirrrl 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋