Goldfish is laying in the corner of the tank?

Question

My daughters got the goldfish just over 1 week ago, we settled it into the tank as instructed, ( filter water aditive ) but in the last 2 days Ive noticed that for about 70% of the time it is just laying in the corner of the tank the other 30% it is swimming rountd the tank like it is on speed. It seems to be feeding ok, Ive just ordered some daphnia as I was told that could help

Answer 1

I'm guessing that the tank you put the fish in is new as well. Goldfish tend to produce a fair amount of wastes, part of which is ammonia. This is toxic to fish are fairly low levels (0.5 parts per million is where they begin to feels stressed). Depending on the level in your tank, the fish may tend to become lethargic, lose it's appetite, or gasp as the surface for air. Eventually, this will be converted to nitrate when the tank builds up a supply of benefical bacteria, but until that happens, you'll need to do frequent partial water changes. This could be part of the problem, but doesn't explain the fast swimming.

Another thing I'd check out is the flow from the filter. If your goldfish is small, or if it's a fancy type (one with a double tail and round body), these tend to be poor swimmers. They're bred for looks, not speed. If the flow rate from the filter is too fast, it may be in the corner trying to stay out of the current, but when it comes out (to eat or just change position), it has to work extra hard to swim against the current. If your filter has a way to adjust the flow (either by a knob at the top of the tube that goes into the water or by turning the entire tube to one side), turn the rate down and see if the behavior changes.

Answer 2

The tank is begining to cycle. Change half the water, don't touch the filter for 5or 6 weeks. You may have to change half the water every other day for about 3 weeks. Feed the fish half rations, every other day as well. Toxins are begining to build up due to fish waste. First ammonia will spike, do not let ammonia get over 1 ppm then you will have nitrite and it will spike. Same thing don't let nitrite get over 1 ppm. To fix change half the water. Keep water temp the same during the water changing process. When both nitrite and ammonia levels drop to zero and nitrAte shows up then the tank has cycled. Bacteria are responsible for this, they need to grow in number to eat all of the fish waste. Beneficial bacteria live in the substrate and in the foam pads (or ceramic bio-beads) in the filter and not in the water. That is why you must change the water and leave the filter alone. Replace carbon every three weeks but otherwise don't clean the filter. It will help cycle the tank quicker. Do not add bacteria. Do not use any product that removes ammonia or nitrite as you will lock up the system making cycling take much longer. The only way to reduce toxins affectively is to make a large water change often. I suggest getting liquid reagent test kits for Ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (Aquarium Pharmasuiticles makes the best) That way you can test without having to make frequent trips to the petstore for water testing.
The goldfish is acting this way due to stress from high ammonia. Stop feeding and start changing the water and will help the fish make it through this dangerous time.
For more information on goldfish go to
www.goldfishconnection.com

Answer 3

I won't repeat what Copperhead said as he is almost assurely correct about what the problem is. Poor water quality is the culprit for a huge percentage of illnesses and diseases fish and tanks have. But, just to add my two cents worth, racing around a tank can be a sign of ammonia poisoning, although that is usually a constant thing, so this could be yet another symptom of what we already expect the problem to be. Read up on the nitrogen cycle and how to cycle a tank with fish and how to do proper cleaning and tank maintenance. Oh! And how to properly feed goldfish! And Petlover could be right too! Goldfish love to have caves to hide in, so if you don't have one, I would suggest investing in something that it can hide in. Not behind, but in. Good luck!

Answer 4

it would desire to signify that it is dying. look heavily on the fins and the scales and notice in case you spot something out of place, any form of spots. Any fin rot? There are ingredients you will get on the puppy keep to handle distinctive ailments and that they had have the skill to grant suggestion based on the define you supply. If the fish dies, specifically circumstances they might even look at it and enable you recognize what went incorrect so as which you will surprising it the subsequent time around. I actual have chanced on that the only way i'd desire to maintain goldfish is in a filtered tank. while you're preserving a fish in a bowl, i've got had spectacular success with Betas. good success to you.

Answer 5

Copperhead is, as usual, the most correct, but YAMA might have a point...

He may be stressed out by the new environment, and need time to adjust.

The chemical levels should be okay if you have a properly filtered tank, but you should monitor them closely if the problem persists.

Lastly, the fish might feel insecure and need things to hide under and in...such as rocks and plants. I wouldn't reccomend a rock cave, or fake decorations with hiding places because you might never see him if you get that... Hope this helps!! :0)

Answer 6

some one must told the goldfish to stand in the corner for a time out!!

Answer 7

hiding is a very common thing for animals to do. My turtle buries itself all the time and is doing fine.