Common Goldfish Problem
- Thread starter szatek
- Start date
Jenste
Resurrecting the Passion of Fishkeeping
do not get a puffer!!! you are trying to solve your problem all wrong!!! the type of aggression a puffer has is COMPLETELY different from goldfish so-called aggression!!! thats like trying to reprimand a labrador by putting him in a cage with a lion.
a puffer is aggressive by nature, a goldfish is just overly exuberant when it comes to eating. those who try and mix goldfish with slower fish call them "aggressive" simply because they are such enthusiastic eaters that a slower eater cant fit in to grab the food.
you heard the term aggression and you went waaaaay too far with it. same as you would not put cichlids or a piranha in with a goldfish - -that is just asking for the goldfish to get ripped apart
a puffer is aggressive by nature, a goldfish is just overly exuberant when it comes to eating. those who try and mix goldfish with slower fish call them "aggressive" simply because they are such enthusiastic eaters that a slower eater cant fit in to grab the food.
you heard the term aggression and you went waaaaay too far with it. same as you would not put cichlids or a piranha in with a goldfish - -that is just asking for the goldfish to get ripped apart
Heya,
It's great that you are planning a substantial upgrade to the tank and I really commend you for making this decision. Your fishes immediate health woes seem to be subsiding, which is also excellent, and you've moved them on to a more varied diet which will do nothing but good!
Here are my worries:
200 litres is a big tank. However, if these fish get to their full adult size and have not been stunted at all from being kept in small tanks and bowls, you could end up with two fish that are 12"-18" long each. They would not be OK in 200 litres. Wilder was right about needing 35 gallons initially but with common and comet goldfish (as you have) you would need to eventually move them to a pond. It gives them the space and the much colder temperatures that they thrive in.
You also need to get a liquid testing kit that covers ammonia. Ammonia is the most toxic of all the chemicals that commonly occur in fish tanks and unfortunately, many "kits" (especially strip test kits) do not have this test. This is simply because they can make more money making you buy two tests than they can raising the price on one.
As for tank-mates, I wouldn't go there. Some people have kept fish like white cloud mountain minnows in goldfish tanks but with goldfish you have to be very careful due to their surprisingly specialist needs. They are bullies, they produce a lot of waste, they can even eat small fish when they get to adult size. You must avoid plecs and other sucker-mouthed fish, and anything slow enough to get bullied.
Have a think about this and good luck with them.
It's great that you are planning a substantial upgrade to the tank and I really commend you for making this decision. Your fishes immediate health woes seem to be subsiding, which is also excellent, and you've moved them on to a more varied diet which will do nothing but good!
Here are my worries:
200 litres is a big tank. However, if these fish get to their full adult size and have not been stunted at all from being kept in small tanks and bowls, you could end up with two fish that are 12"-18" long each. They would not be OK in 200 litres. Wilder was right about needing 35 gallons initially but with common and comet goldfish (as you have) you would need to eventually move them to a pond. It gives them the space and the much colder temperatures that they thrive in.
You also need to get a liquid testing kit that covers ammonia. Ammonia is the most toxic of all the chemicals that commonly occur in fish tanks and unfortunately, many "kits" (especially strip test kits) do not have this test. This is simply because they can make more money making you buy two tests than they can raising the price on one.
As for tank-mates, I wouldn't go there. Some people have kept fish like white cloud mountain minnows in goldfish tanks but with goldfish you have to be very careful due to their surprisingly specialist needs. They are bullies, they produce a lot of waste, they can even eat small fish when they get to adult size. You must avoid plecs and other sucker-mouthed fish, and anything slow enough to get bullied.
Have a think about this and good luck with them.
Hi All,
I will definitely let you know about the tank upgrade progress.
To be honest Assaye I've got exactly the same worries. I had no knowledge whatsoever when I got that first goldfish. Then I started reading and decided to give them best environment I can. From what I understand I will have to say goodbye to both fish at some point as I haven't got pond. Do you know any good places ? Are there any at all ?
I already ordered liquid testing kit which is on it's way. It should arrive tomorrow.
As for tank-mates I was hoping to put one more fish in so the tank doesn't look empty. I read that the only fish that goes well with common goldfish and sarasa comet which I've got at the moment is shubunkin. If you think it will be overcrowded then I will not do that.
Let me know your thoughts.
Best regards,
Marcin
I will definitely let you know about the tank upgrade progress.
To be honest Assaye I've got exactly the same worries. I had no knowledge whatsoever when I got that first goldfish. Then I started reading and decided to give them best environment I can. From what I understand I will have to say goodbye to both fish at some point as I haven't got pond. Do you know any good places ? Are there any at all ?
I already ordered liquid testing kit which is on it's way. It should arrive tomorrow.
As for tank-mates I was hoping to put one more fish in so the tank doesn't look empty. I read that the only fish that goes well with common goldfish and sarasa comet which I've got at the moment is shubunkin. If you think it will be overcrowded then I will not do that.
Let me know your thoughts.
Best regards,
Marcin
coldcazzie
Ice Queen
You could try something like a weatherloach? But not worth it while they're in a little tank really. I second the pond idea - goldfish are great in a pond, and you never know - you might even get babies which you almost definitely wouldn't in a tank! Do you not have the space to build a pond? If not you could put some feelers out later to see if any friends or friends of friends are building one?
Anna Robinson
Fish Fanatic
Excellent results 
There is no chance I can build a pond as I live in a one bedroom flat unless I sacrifice my bath.
As for latest fish behaviour I noticed they don't like daphnia as the bits are too small and fall down to the bottom of the tank too fast. I'm back to mosquito larvae. I can't wait for that liquid test to show up. I will post the results later on.
As for latest fish behaviour I noticed they don't like daphnia as the bits are too small and fall down to the bottom of the tank too fast. I'm back to mosquito larvae. I can't wait for that liquid test to show up. I will post the results later on.
Hi All,
I just did a water test using API liquid test kit after changing about 40% of water.
Here are the results:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0.25 ppm
Nitrate: 40 ppm
I understand that Nitrite and Nitrate levels are unacceptable. A week ago I added couple of live plants to the tank. Can it have something in common with non zero Nitrite level ?
Let me know your thoughts.
Best regards,
Marcin
I just did a water test using API liquid test kit after changing about 40% of water.
Here are the results:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0.25 ppm
Nitrate: 40 ppm
I understand that Nitrite and Nitrate levels are unacceptable. A week ago I added couple of live plants to the tank. Can it have something in common with non zero Nitrite level ?
Let me know your thoughts.
Best regards,
Marcin
Nitrite needs to be zero. Daily water tests and large water changes will bring that down nicely.
Nitrate is fine but large weekly water changes of 40-50% (necessary in small goldfish tanks) will keep it low. Could also do smaller water changes more frequently if you prefer.
Live plants when healthy will keep ammonia and nitrate down, so unless they are dying they should be helping. I'd add more plants, tbh.
Nitrate is fine but large weekly water changes of 40-50% (necessary in small goldfish tanks) will keep it low. Could also do smaller water changes more frequently if you prefer.
Live plants when healthy will keep ammonia and nitrate down, so unless they are dying they should be helping. I'd add more plants, tbh.
Hi All,
Surprisingly Nitrite level is down to zero today. I think I got to a point where the tank is fully established now. I will keep changing 40-50% of water weekly and monitor the situation. I also noticed that algeas are almost gone. Before I had to clean decoration every week. That filter advice was spot on. I think we can close this topic for now. Thanks once again for your help.
Best regards,
Marcin
Surprisingly Nitrite level is down to zero today. I think I got to a point where the tank is fully established now. I will keep changing 40-50% of water weekly and monitor the situation. I also noticed that algeas are almost gone. Before I had to clean decoration every week. That filter advice was spot on. I think we can close this topic for now. Thanks once again for your help.
Best regards,
Marcin
Hi All,
I'm afraid problems with one of my common goldfish are back.
He's a bit better with regards to way he swims around since I changed the diet. I only use frozen food and shelled peas. He still tends to swim to the surface from time to time and gasp some air. After that his tail is a bit higher than the head but it's not as bad as it was before. I don't think it's the lack of oxygen as the other fish is ok and I've got new filter and air stone. Water parameters are under control.
Another thing is that he's got some white spots on the gills. I read somewhere that it might breeding stars as long as it's only on the gills. Here is the website I found the information:
http
/thegab.org/Goldfish/sexing-goldfish.html
They look exactly the same. It's easy to spot as he's got translucent gills.
Today I found him sitting in the bottom of the tank on the gravel. I got really scared and approached the tank. It seemed that he was sleeping because he started swimming straight away. He's got his top fin down though which is worrying as well. Also for last couple of weeks I noticed he's doing strange move. I saw him doing it twice. It looks as if he was sneezing. He swims straight then his body bends in a blink of an eye just like if it was some muscle shrink. I'm not sure if you know what I mean. It happens two or three times in a row and then he's fine. I hope it's not something to do with his brain or nerve system. I'm expecting the worst.
I've got new 200L tank for those two fish which I'm running fishless cycle in. I hope it's ready in a week or so. I will have the old tank empty after I move the fish so was wondering if I could use it as a quarantine tank and try to treat my poor, little fish.
Is there any hope for my fish ? Any help much appreciated.
Best regards,
I'm afraid problems with one of my common goldfish are back.
He's a bit better with regards to way he swims around since I changed the diet. I only use frozen food and shelled peas. He still tends to swim to the surface from time to time and gasp some air. After that his tail is a bit higher than the head but it's not as bad as it was before. I don't think it's the lack of oxygen as the other fish is ok and I've got new filter and air stone. Water parameters are under control.
Another thing is that he's got some white spots on the gills. I read somewhere that it might breeding stars as long as it's only on the gills. Here is the website I found the information:
http
/thegab.org/Goldfish/sexing-goldfish.htmlThey look exactly the same. It's easy to spot as he's got translucent gills.
Today I found him sitting in the bottom of the tank on the gravel. I got really scared and approached the tank. It seemed that he was sleeping because he started swimming straight away. He's got his top fin down though which is worrying as well. Also for last couple of weeks I noticed he's doing strange move. I saw him doing it twice. It looks as if he was sneezing. He swims straight then his body bends in a blink of an eye just like if it was some muscle shrink. I'm not sure if you know what I mean. It happens two or three times in a row and then he's fine. I hope it's not something to do with his brain or nerve system. I'm expecting the worst.
I've got new 200L tank for those two fish which I'm running fishless cycle in. I hope it's ready in a week or so. I will have the old tank empty after I move the fish so was wondering if I could use it as a quarantine tank and try to treat my poor, little fish.
Is there any hope for my fish ? Any help much appreciated.
Best regards,
Hi All,
I've got response from another forum which is:
1. Keep up with your fishless cycle you are doing good there.
2. Feeding - you aren't feeding a well rounded diet. Look for Hikari lionhead pellets, or mazuri gelfood or make your own gel food - check out the diner section. Blood worms and peas are good as a supplement to a well rounded diet. Peas are high in sugar and should be fed sparingly. Blanching zuchini and kale/collard greens are better. Rubber band them to a rock or a veggie clip.
3. I think its most likely flukes. Flukes are almost a given on goldfish and irritate skin and gills. They are seen under a scope and are evil and hard to eradicate. They also open fish up to secondary issues. We have our own treatment protocol here as some of our members see aquatic vets and through them they recommend a different treatment plan than what is on the bottle. You need powder praziquantel (ideal) or another source like Prazi-Pro. Here is the treatment instructions:
Praziquantel kills fluke and intesional worms. (Sources: PondRx, Pet Mountain, Goldfish Utopia)
* Remove carbon.
* Add 2.5 milligrams per liter of water.
* If you are using the powdered version, it is difficult to dissolve. Predissolve in tank water by shaking it up in a small container.
* Dosing
Day 1 -- remove carbon, perform water change with vacuuming, and add Prazi to tank
Day 2 -- add Prazi
Day 3 -- do nothing
Day 4 -- do nothing
Day 5 -- do nothing
Day 6 -- add Prazi
Day 7 -- add Prazi
Day 8 -- normal partial water change with vacuuming
Day 14 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 21 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 28 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 35 - normal partial water change, add carbon, treatment is complete
Can someone please confirm it's the right way for my poor little fish. I really want to have opinion from two sources.
Best regards,
I've got response from another forum which is:
1. Keep up with your fishless cycle you are doing good there.
2. Feeding - you aren't feeding a well rounded diet. Look for Hikari lionhead pellets, or mazuri gelfood or make your own gel food - check out the diner section. Blood worms and peas are good as a supplement to a well rounded diet. Peas are high in sugar and should be fed sparingly. Blanching zuchini and kale/collard greens are better. Rubber band them to a rock or a veggie clip.
3. I think its most likely flukes. Flukes are almost a given on goldfish and irritate skin and gills. They are seen under a scope and are evil and hard to eradicate. They also open fish up to secondary issues. We have our own treatment protocol here as some of our members see aquatic vets and through them they recommend a different treatment plan than what is on the bottle. You need powder praziquantel (ideal) or another source like Prazi-Pro. Here is the treatment instructions:
Praziquantel kills fluke and intesional worms. (Sources: PondRx, Pet Mountain, Goldfish Utopia)
* Remove carbon.
* Add 2.5 milligrams per liter of water.
* If you are using the powdered version, it is difficult to dissolve. Predissolve in tank water by shaking it up in a small container.
* Dosing
Day 1 -- remove carbon, perform water change with vacuuming, and add Prazi to tank
Day 2 -- add Prazi
Day 3 -- do nothing
Day 4 -- do nothing
Day 5 -- do nothing
Day 6 -- add Prazi
Day 7 -- add Prazi
Day 8 -- normal partial water change with vacuuming
Day 14 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 21 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 28 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 35 - normal partial water change, add carbon, treatment is complete
Can someone please confirm it's the right way for my poor little fish. I really want to have opinion from two sources.
Best regards,
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