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One Solitary Goldfish Out Of 4
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Hi, hope someone can help, we have had 4 goldfish from 'new'. Three of them have grown healthy and happy but one has stayed very small (hardly grown) and is listless and slow. Seems in a daze, sometimes just at the bottom of the tank with his face against the glass. Quite depressing, anyone know what might be wrong with him and what I can do ?
I have changed the water and filters and he is eating but just doesn't move much. We check each morning to see if he is even alive !
Thanks
I have changed the water and filters and he is eating but just doesn't move much. We check each morning to see if he is even alive !
Thanks
Answers
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When you say you changed the filters, did you change the filter media? [the sponges inside]
If you did you need to change the water again with dechlorinated water but do not touch the filter. Change around 70%
The whole point of the filter is this is where the 'good' bacteria that eats the ammonia that the fish waste produces.
Sounds like your fish is being poisoned to me by the water conditions.
Also, goldfish need massive tanks to thrive, 4 goldies would need approx 50 gallons minimum.
Lisa x
If you did you need to change the water again with dechlorinated water but do not touch the filter. Change around 70%
The whole point of the filter is this is where the 'good' bacteria that eats the ammonia that the fish waste produces.
Sounds like your fish is being poisoned to me by the water conditions.
Also, goldfish need massive tanks to thrive, 4 goldies would need approx 50 gallons minimum.
Lisa x
Thanks Lisa, the tank is 75 litres. I use an additive to de-chlorinate the water, the carbon filters were changed but I do one at a time, leaving a week between. I never clean the ceramic 'noodles' because I was told these keep the 'good' bacteria.
The poorly fish spends a lot of time at the bottom but can swim up and join the others sometimes. he is not listing to one side or showing signs of swimbladder.
I will change the water again and see.
Thanks
The poorly fish spends a lot of time at the bottom but can swim up and join the others sometimes. he is not listing to one side or showing signs of swimbladder.
I will change the water again and see.
Thanks
Hi,
Personally I would not touch the filter for a while just in case it is ammonia, do you have a test kit? If not you can take a sample of water to a local aquarium shop nut make sure that are using liquid tests and not paper strips as just aren't accurate.
How big is the biggest fish you have? I hate to say it but 75 litres is not going to be enough for 4 goldies. They are massive waste producers, hence the need for big tank and massive filters. They really do do better in ponds where they can achieve their true size of around 12 inches.
Right, now for your poorly fish!
How long has he been like this?
If there are no outward signs of damage or fungus it's hard to say. There are all round treatments you could treat the whole tank with but for now, if you can, do a 50% water change everyday for three days. There is nothing of any benefit for the fish in the water but it can carry ammonia so as long as its dechlored and warmed to match the tanks temperature [not easy in this weather lol] Clean water is the best healer.
Lisa x
Personally I would not touch the filter for a while just in case it is ammonia, do you have a test kit? If not you can take a sample of water to a local aquarium shop nut make sure that are using liquid tests and not paper strips as just aren't accurate.
How big is the biggest fish you have? I hate to say it but 75 litres is not going to be enough for 4 goldies. They are massive waste producers, hence the need for big tank and massive filters. They really do do better in ponds where they can achieve their true size of around 12 inches.
Right, now for your poorly fish!
How long has he been like this?
If there are no outward signs of damage or fungus it's hard to say. There are all round treatments you could treat the whole tank with but for now, if you can, do a 50% water change everyday for three days. There is nothing of any benefit for the fish in the water but it can carry ammonia so as long as its dechlored and warmed to match the tanks temperature [not easy in this weather lol] Clean water is the best healer.
Lisa x
This is the stuff that you could try dosing the whole tank with ......
http://
Lisa x
http://
Lisa x
There are a few ways...
Quickest and kindest... cut the fish's head off, one clean quick cut behind the gills. Or crushing with a heavy object e.g a brick, shovel or foot.
My preferred method is to put the fish in a cup of water that has been laced with clove oil, this sends the fish to sleep [it can be used as a anaesthetic], keep adding drops of the oil until the gills stop moving. Leave it a good hour or so before disposing of it in the bin....
Never put a fish down the toilet! A, it is cruel and B it could be carrying disease.
So there you go lol
Lisa x
Quickest and kindest... cut the fish's head off, one clean quick cut behind the gills. Or crushing with a heavy object e.g a brick, shovel or foot.
My preferred method is to put the fish in a cup of water that has been laced with clove oil, this sends the fish to sleep [it can be used as a anaesthetic], keep adding drops of the oil until the gills stop moving. Leave it a good hour or so before disposing of it in the bin....
Never put a fish down the toilet! A, it is cruel and B it could be carrying disease.
So there you go lol
Lisa x
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