Gasping For Air...so Worried

[Frazy85]

I cant add an air stone unfortunately, i cant get one and i dont have one. Hes just getting worse, he really looks like hes going to die of oxygen, today. And i just cant understand how this has happened, unless its something to do with the water that ive added. He was never gasping before. I just feel powerless to help him.

 

[star4]

Unfortunately the tank size is not helping, I appreciate you are trying your best by him but he does need more air, can you raise the filter nozzel above the water line at all? Where abouts are you, there maybe someone local that could take him with a bigger tank?

 

[Frazy85]

I have raised the nozzel, its doing the most it can to be honest. Im in shropshire, there may be, i really dont know. Im not sure hes going to make it in time. The thing is a few days ago his air was fine and it wasnt a problem, so why is it now?

 

[star4]

Stress can take a couple of days to kick in. Being moved, small tank, ammonia problems are all most likely adding to the stress. Its a shame I am not closer as I am in Birmingham, I have a 400l coldwater tank, but the getting to you is a problem.

 

[Frazy85]

#40## yeah. Ive now moved the filter higher, as high as i can move it. He isnt gasping as much now, but he still is gasping every now and again. At the moment hes hiding at the back of the tank behind his plants and just not moving at all.

 

[star4]

At least that is a little better? does the tank have a light on it? if so switch it off. Sometimes leaving them in a darkened tank will help with the stress, or if you dont have a light you could try putting a towel or something part the way round the tank give him somewhere dark to chill out, the less stress the more likely he will recover.

 

[Frazy85]

Hmm ok. Is there anything else you would reccomend or just leave him for a bit? I feel really awful i feel like i should be doing lots of things to help him...

PS: Just went to check on him and turn the light off, and once again hes up there gasping. Hmmm.

 

[star4]

To be honest, you have done the best you can, you have rescued him from a dirty tank and given him clean water. Yes the tank you have is far to small for a large goldfish and that wont be helping with the stress so he will never be 100% happy in that tank, but it is better than what he had. He does need a bigger tank 30l is not suitable for him long term, it is ok for a temporary solution. Lots of air, clean water and keep the tank dim should help

 

[Frazy85]

OK. Well, im gonna keep him as he is for a bit, even though hes gasping, and i suppose...hope he stops. Thanks for the help anyway.

 

[star4]

The only other thing is to add an airline as well as the filter, obviously that is not putting enough into the tank. Best of luck with him

 

[Frazy85]

Hmm but its been putting enough air in for the last like...6 months and he never gasped. So i cant understand why he cant get enough air now. Unless its ammonia poisoning or an effect with the water conditioner. Thanks anyway.

 

[star4]

The ammonia can cause damage to the gills making it more difficult for him to breath.

 

[Frazy85]

Hmm but the problem is, ive done a lot of water changes recently, if ammonia is still damaging him, then how else can i get rid of it?

Ive been given some "ammoclear", which apparently goes into your filter? Its almost like powder, little bits of gravel, but i dont even know how to use it, im such a novice.