goldfish problem?

Question

i have one goldfish left. there is a problem with it. one of the fins is appearing to be deteriorating because there is white stff on the end like it just got ripped also. also the tail fin also appears to be ripped of partially. i know its not ick because there are no white dots. also the fin, not the tail fin, the other fin is becoming red. what is wrong with him. if it is a disease should i clean the tank.

will my fish die if i dont treat the fin rot

Answer 1

All of this sounds like ammonia poisoning to me. The white areas on the fins, the ripping, red areas, all of it. Each has other causes, but ammonia problems can and does cause all of them.

I would suggest you change 1/2 of the water in the tank ASAP. Then check the ammonia levels. If you haven't got a test kit, take a sample to the pet store and have them test it for you. While there, get an ammonia test kit as you will need one during the remainder of the cycling process. I would recommend you not allow the ammonia to exceed 0.5 ppm for any realy length of time as additional damage will occur. If you find a local pet shop you trust, ask them to squeeze out a filter pad into a bag of water for you and add that to your tank for the bacteria it contains. This will help remove the ammonia in short order and will "jump start" the cycling process.

You may find that you need to do additional water changes asap to further lower the ammonia in the tank, if so, do them as required. For the next few weeks, check the ammonia daily and change water as needed to keep the levels low. Assuming you can get the ammonia levels low soon and keep them low, there is a reasonable chance your last fish will survive.

MM

Answer 2

I would also agree with ammonia poisoning. It sounds as though you got a few goldfish and put them into a tank that hadn't been cycled beforehand.

A partial water change (50%) would be your first step, just replace the water SLOWLY with new about the same temperature, and remember to add dechlorinator. Rinse any debris in the filer with water taken from the tank or use dechlorinated.

The best treatment if this is fin rot (only of the top fin, fin rot deteriorates the fins from the outer edge in) is to first give good water quality, which may be all your fish needs if the ammonia levels are high.

If the problem continues, you may need to use an antibiotic: http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm

See these for more about what's happened in the tank:

http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/ammonia_poisoning/
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Answer 3

The thing she mentioned about the organs continuing to grow is true. That is why goldfish die so young. They should live 20-40 years. The suggested size is 20 gallons for your first goldfish an additional ten for each goldie you add. Technically he should be o.k. At least the size of the tank shouldn't effect his health. I know how you feel though. We had a Black Moor in a 20 long he got to be about that size and looked cramped. We bought him a 75 gallon and a couple of friends. Honestly he's a lot easier to take care of now. The larger tank helps mantain a more stable environment= less water changes. There are no ways of preventing your fish from growing. If you can't keep him in the 20 and you won't buy him a bigger tank then you should trade him in to a petstore. DO NOT release him. Especially if he is a fancy goldfish- does he really look like he could survive??? We have done some serious genetic manipulation on them. Their wild brothers and sisters are Carp. Carp are made for the wild. Goldies are made for man-made ponds and aquariums. Good Luck!

Answer 4

The white stuff is probably a fungus infection (some of these can also cause fin and tail rot). Pet stores sell medication for it; it won't clear up on its own. You could change the water some before you start giving the medication if you want, but then don't change the water until after the medication is complete and the fish is better.

Answer 5

The white stuff could be fungus and needs to be treated and the fin rot if not treated will effect the fishes swimming ability and will die from stress.

The easiest way to treat this is to put the fish in a separate temporary tank and add the treatment 1 at a time.

Answer 6

I think you should talk to a specalist about it. I had a very simular problem and the person I talked to had me try something and it killed one of my fish. I think you should clean the tank and get some anti fungus meds. That is what it sounds like it has. This can be cured with meds but make sure you are using the correct amount. If there are any other fish in the tank watch out because it will spread. Now if this fish dies and it is your last one before you start over sanitize everything really well. The problem is in the tank and as long as you are using the same things with out sanitation any new fish will get it.

Answer 7

Hi Tennis,

Well I think things didn't get much better from this morning's question apparently. I think this isn't from ammonia exposure which you have high amounts of it in there now. This does sound like a very unhealthy fish. I'm going to send this to copperhead and MM. They are much better about diseases and treatments then I am, but the red in the fin makes me think this is septicemia. Going to call in the experts just for you.

JV

Answer 8

what sized tank do you have and what kind of filtration do you have ?? we need to know that stuff for further questions and about the tails its probably fin rot form lack of filtration and gold fish need a minimum of 20 gallons for 1 they don't do good in bowls if that what you have it in

Answer 9

You should separate him if he is with other fish. Clean the tank, talk to a local fish store and what kind of drops to put into the tank...

Answer 10

Sounds like body rot to me. Go to pet shop or Walmart and get antibiotic capsules in pet department. They are only 5.00 follow the directions. It is very easy.