Help, Sick Fish Tank Levels Out Of Wack

[harm116]

Hi All, I need help with my fish tank. I have 3 goldfish in a 5 gallon tank. I've had it running for about 8 weeks. I just bought the last two gold fish and one of them is starting to have black patches all over it's fins and lower body. I've check the level and don't know what to do next.

Tap
NO3 - 20
NO2 - 10
Hardness - 425
Alkalinity 300
pH 8.4

Water in tank this morning
NO3 - 40
NO2 - .5
Hardness - 425
Alkalinity 40
pH 6.8

After water change at around 8pm
NO3 - 30
NO2 - .5
Hardness - 425
Alkalinity 80
pH 7.6

My plan is to keep do a 20% water change until levels are good. But is there anything I can do to help the goldfish. The one with the black patchs is kind of lethargic.

ac

 

[Rediahs]

Well, for one thing, from what I understand, goldfish require quite a bit more space - they'd need at LEAST 5 gallons EACH, probably more, so I'd take the new ones back to the store. I'm not even sure if 5 gallons is enough for 1 goldfish.

I'm more posting this to see if I'm right than to actually help you, sorry 'cause I'm not sure, myself, but I hope that I am right in what I'm saying and I hope someone else can back me up and add more detail so as to help you a bit more.

For another thing, you're missing the most important test statistic - ammonia! (NH3/4) This one is most toxic to fish along with nitrite so you'd really be good to check the levels.

 

[Tolak]

Either return the 3 goldfish or invest in a tank of 40+ gallons.

 

[harm116]

Well, for one thing, from what I understand, goldfish require quite a bit more space - they'd need at LEAST 5 gallons EACH, probably more, so I'd take the new ones back to the store. I'm not even sure if 5 gallons is enough for 1 goldfish.

I'm more posting this to see if I'm right than to actually help you, sorry 'cause I'm not sure, myself, but I hope that I am right in what I'm saying and I hope someone else can back me up and add more detail so as to help you a bit more.

For another thing, you're missing the most important test statistic - ammonia! (NH3/4) This one is most toxic to fish along with nitrite so you'd really be good to check the levels.

Hi Chrissi,

Here's this morning's numbers
NO3 - 40
NO2 - 0
Hardness - 425
Alkalinity 80
pH between 7.6-7.8
Ammonia was between 0-.25

Planning on changing the water when I get home tonight.
I'm sure having 3 goldfishes in a 5 gallon tank does help things any. I thought nitrite was NO3 which is at 40. I know it's on the upper end, but how do I get that to go down?
Any advise welcomed.

AC

 

[WILDER]

Goldfish are massive waste producers so need large tanks and double filteration.

The first goldish alone needs 20 gallons, then 10 gallons for every other goldfish added.
So you need a 40 gallon tanks and a 80 gallon filter.
The black patches are ammonia burns that are healing.

I would think of rehoming the goldish as they are just going to die of ammonia and nitrite poisoning.
Maybe think of getting a betta fish for that tank size.

Water changes twice aday and increase aeration in the tank.

 

[harm116]

Goldfish are massive waste producers so need large tanks and double filteration.

The first goldish alone needs 20 gallons, then 10 gallons for every other goldfish added.
So you need a 40 gallon tanks and a 80 gallon filter.
The black patches are ammonia burns that are healing.

I would think of rehoming the goldish as they are just going to die of ammonia and nitrite poisoning.
Maybe think of getting a betta fish for that tank size.

Water changes twice aday and increase aeration in the tank.

Thanks for the advise, trying to find a new home for the fish. Also getting another filter to help keep the tank clean.
After last nights water change here's my numbers

NO3 - between 20-40
NO2 - 0
Hardness - between 200-425
Alkalinity 80-120
pH between 7.6-7.8
Ammonia was between 0

I've been adding teaspoon of kosher salt to the water. Seems to be helping, but will continue to change the water till rehome the other goldfish. I'm hoping I start to see some NO2 levels soon.

AC

 

[WILDER]

The salt fine as it helps the fish in bad water quality.
Is it not possible to get a 40 gallon tank and a 80 gallon filter.