Goldfish help - 1/24/08
Hello, I'm hoping you can help. 3 days ago my goldfish all of a sudden started swimming strangely. Its like it can't keep control of its right side and has begun swimming on its side, every so often going in to spinning when it tries to swim normal. Its eating habits haven't changed, but it does have problems getting to the food and has to try and come down on top of it to suction it up.
I did notice a red line on its right gill, though I don't know if its a scratch.
He rests either completely on his side on the bottom of the tank or tries to prop himself up against a plant. The symptoms have gotten progressively worse, where he has very little control of the swimming. And every so often he starts getting a curve in him towards the right. Though the worse symptoms are in between spurts when he has a little more control. So the "bad times" keep getting worse I should say.
The tank is a 5 gallon Aqua-Tech 5 with a carbon filter. I tried to doing research and immediately changed out a third of the water and changed the filter. I also stopped feeding him for a day and gave him skinned cooked peas yesterday and today just in case it was constipation. I put in a Mardel LiveNH3 detector yesterday, and its stayed at the safe color.
Today I got a Mardel 5 in 1 test strip. Nitrate was at 40, Nitrite was at 0, Hardness was at 250, Alkaline was at 180, Buffering was at 120, and the pH was at 8.0
I also started Jungle Fish Care's Lifeguard All-In-One Treatment for external fish diseases (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic). Its a 5 day treatment.
I'm attaching a video <<RMF could not open>> I took with my cell phone of the fish, so you can see how it's behaving. Hopefully this is enough info, and I appreciate any help.
Marty
<Hello Marty. The usual reason Goldfish swim poorly is constipation, caused by poor feeding. When Goldfish are given flake food day-in, day-out, they often become constipated and this messes up their buoyancy. See here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm
Looking at the video though, your fish may be constipated, but I suspect something more serious, either poisoning, bad genes, or a systemic bacterial infection. Poisoning is surprisingly easy to do: things like paint fumes, bug sprays, and other organic chemicals we use around the house are toxic to fish, and in small tanks especially they can quickly reach concentrations that harm or kill fish. I've done this myself by accident, and the death-throes of the fish are rather similar to what your Goldfish is doing. Bad genes is something we find difficult to spot when shopping, but suffice it to say that a lot of fish breeding on farms is for quantity rather than quality, and a certain proportion of the fish produced are sub-standard. Swim bladder problems are very common deformities in these fish, and that's what might be going on here. Still, if the fish was deformed in some way, I'd expect it to have always swum badly, rather than suddenly losing swimming ability. The third option is a bacterial infection. Aeromonas and Pseudomonas bacteria are harmless in healthy tanks but in tanks with variable to poor water quality they can cause all sorts of problems, one of which is a systemic infection including the swim bladder. Consequently, I think the 5-in-1 treatment is a waste of time. You need something antibacterial or antibiotic. Maracyn-Two is the usual antibiotic recommended for this, but (as far as I know) it is only traded in the US. If you're outside the US, then you might be able to use an antibacterial such as Interpet #13, but in all honesty these tend only to work with early to mild infections, and your fish is so sick that you'll likely need to get a prescription antibiotic from your vet. I am somewhat concerned that this fish is being kept in a 5 gallon tank -- this is completely inappropriate for Goldfish, and while unlikely the immediate cause of the problem, such a small tank won't be doing anything to help the fish either. Small Goldfish can be kept in 10-20 gallon tanks, but once they get above about 8 cm/3", they really need something around the 30 gallon mark. Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Goldfish help - 1/24/08
Hi Neale, thanks for the response -
Is here anything to be able to tell for sure if its this [chemical fumes, poisoning], or anything that can be done if it is? It has a closed lid and the tank sits on a serving window (that opens from the kitchen in to the living room (we live in an apartment). So it sits elevated with the sink behind it, and doesn't really get anything around it.
<No way to test. Cooking smells and steam generally aren't dangerous to fish. But certainly cleaning chemicals might be if they got into the tank. It's really a case of common sense -- is it possible anything got spilled into the tank? Sometimes children and house-mates "accidentally" put things in fish tanks, such as beverages.>
Yes, we got him in June and this just started happening a few days ago.
>I agree, bad genes doesn't sound likely.>
What about something like Fish Mox (Amoxicillin)?
<No personal experience. Amoxicillin can be used against Aeromonas, but some strains of Aeromonas are Amoxicillin-resistant, so your results could be less than perfect. Definitely worth a shot though if you have some lying around. But I think Maracyn-Two has a better reputation for Swim Bladder infections, so if you haven't spent the money yet, I'd try that one first.>
Well, it doesn't make sense to look in to changing the tank size until I find out what's wrong and treat it. 30-gal tanks are a bit expensive for me (average of $200 on up), especially to spend on a single goldfish that might be dying anyway.
Marty
<Put simply, in a 5 gallon tank, Goldfish health is never very good. Even if you get the right medications, this fish might not recover when kept in such a tank. Fish kept in such small tanks are always more likely to get sick, and less likely to recover, simply because small volumes of water are less stable and more rapidly polluted than big volumes of water. I agree $200 (US) would be an insane amount of money to spend on a 30 gallon tank. But you should be able to get a basic system for much less than that. If you're saying to me that if this fish dies, you won't ever keep fish again, that's one thing, and I can understand your reticence over spending more money. But if this fish dies and you go straight out and buy another fish, that's not acceptable. It's not fair on the fish, condemning it to a grim life in a stagnant puddle of water; and it's ultimately not fair on you, because you'll sooner or later have to deal with another sick fish. Your move. Cheers, Neale.>

Aggressive goldfish... just too crowded, not reading   1/7/08
Hello! I'm KJ! First of all, thank you for having such a helpful site, I have really learned a lot from it!
<Ah, am glad KJ>
I have a question about my crazy goldfish (they aren't actually crazy, it is probably more that I'm crazy about them).
<Insightful>
Anyway, I rescued two goldfish, a comet and a fantail, from my swim team's coach's office over the summer. I became very attached to them, and wanted a better home for them than a small bowl. I don't know exactly how many gallons were in the bowl, but I *know* there was no way any number of fish should have been in it. So, for a Christmas present, my parents gave me an Eclipse 12 Gallon tank (Yay!) that I planned on moving my two lovely fishies into. However, a week or so before Christmas, I noticed symptoms in my fantail that resembled dropsy (I've had a beta fish die from it as well). I tried to help him/her, but I think it only extended his life a little.
Sadly, he died on Christmas Eve. So I set up my new tank on Christmas morning, and my parents were ready to move my yellow fishy, as I call my comet, into his new home. I made them wait three days to let the tank mature a bit, because that was the time most people suggested.
<Need more time than this...>
Before I woke up on the 28th, my parents ran out to Petco to surprise me and bought FIVE new fish, 3 more comets (all very small, about 3/4 o f an inch), a red-cap Oranda, and a calico fantail. The largest fish in the tank is yellow fishy, my old comet, but only by about a quarter inch.
<Yikes... the 12 gallon isn't large enough for one goldfish in time...>
So the whole point of that story is that today, I was procrastinating from my homework and watching my lovely fish when I noticed that the calico fantail had the uppermost right tip of its tail missing. It doesn't look like rot, I already checked that out, but it looks like it was cut off. At first I suspected the pump that draws water into the filter, but I looked into my tank with horror as my beloved yellow fishy was nipping the fantail!
<Yes... too crowded>
So, I have removed yellow fishy, and put him in his bowl (only temporarily, of course). My main question is, however, even though there are too many fish in one tank, why did my yellow fishy only go after the one fantail?
<Crowding... easier target>
And he has more room than in the bowl with my old fantail?! How should I deal with my yellow fishy and my calico? He really just ignored the other fish in the tank, but he chased the poor fantail... Oh, and should I treat the calico's tail?
<Mmm, indirectly... by making more room...>
In some earlier responses, it says to treat for fin rot, but others say just to watch it and keep the water clean.
I really hope I haven't wasted your time and I appreciate your response.
Why can't we all just get along? :)
KJ
<For about the same reason/s... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. Please follow directions and look before writing us. Bob Fenner>

Re: Aggressive goldfish... lack of values   1/8/08
Thank you for your prompt response, but I believe you misunderstood me.
I know and understand that there is not enough room in my tank for so many fish. I guess I did not make that clear. However, I did not buy my fish, my parents bought them for me.
<... I understood/stand this... nonetheless... what will you do?>
As four of them were apparently only 29 cents, I would feel stupid asking to return them. In addition, I did not buy my tank, it was also a gift, because I only have a summer job as I am still in school.
<... impertinent>
My question was more along the lines of why my fish disliked only one of his tankmates, not whether my tank was too crowded or not.
<It... fishes... don't dislike anything (at least to my perception), but many are rather autistic... do "pick" on things that are "in the way">
I did read your site, I know I have too many fish, but I cannot do anything about it at the moment.
<Then your fish will suffer and die>
Also, most questions that involved aggressiveness in goldfish involved multi-species tank, and I have only goldfish.
In an email dated November 25, 2005, it was the opposite situation, with a fantail bullying a comet, but they did not mention tank size. I find it slightly offensive that by providing more information I received a rude reply with no answer to my question.
Again, I still like your site, and maybe you were just in a bad mood.
*I really just want to know how to keep my fish safe*. I cannot afford a larger tank, and I do not want to offend my parents by asking them to return my fish.
<... then... see the above. RMF>

Goldfish behavior...please help  1/5/08
Hi there!
<Hello,>
I'm not quite a fish brainer, but I've read a little bit about fish and their breeding, specially mine.
<Very good.>
I have a 42 gallon tank and I have a red cap and an orange fantail. Today my orange fantail began chasing all around the tank my redcap and I supposed well, it's a common behavior and then I looked for the male tubercles but I couldn't see them. So my question is, can the tubercles appear later? or are my 2 fish are males?
<The breeding tubercles should be visible on sexually mature males in breeding condition. If you can't see them, then chances are your fish are either females or else aren't in breeding condition.>
And, if they lay eggs, when I separate the eggs to another tank to avoid getting ate, do I have to provide more oxygen or with the surface oxygen is OK?
<You will likely need to remove the eggs to another tank to prevent them being eaten. It's just not practical in most cases to leave the eggs with the parents. You can certainly try putting the eggs in a floating breeding trap to see what happens before you invest in a 10 or 20 gallon tank just for rearing fry (which is how experienced breeders rear baby fish). This said, Goldfish are notoriously difficult to spawn anywhere other than a pond, where they tend to breed like rabbits. In an aquarium, you need to provide conditioning foods (bloodworms and mosquito larvae for example) and then cool down the water for a few weeks (to simulate winter) and then warm it up again (to simulate spring). Goldfish spawn in the morning, and the tank should receive some early morning sunlight to "trigger" spawning.>
Thanks.
<You're welcome.>
P.S. I don't know exactly how old are my fish cause when I bought them they where a little big, not too much but they weren't fry. And now they are quite big about 8 cm o more I'm not sure
<May be a bit small for breeding still. Cheers, Neale.>

Black Moor... beh., hlth.    1/3/08
Hi,
I have just bought two black Moors and although one seems very happy one of them is staying at the top of the tank and the fin on his back is not standing up, also the two wispy fins that come from the body are flat to the body until he does venture for a little swim down from the top. Is there something wrong with him or is he maybe just adjusting to his surroundings?
Many Thanks
Alice
<Hello Alice... it's difficult to answer this without seeing the fish. While fish can react badly to being moved, they should pep up within 24-48 hours. Do water tests to check the nitrite and pH especially are where they should be (i.e., zero nitrite, and the pH around 7.5). Also keep an eye out for signs of Finrot and Fungus, both quite common on Goldfish when stressed or kept under less than perfect conditions. Do review Bob's article on Goldfish requirements, here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
Let it be noted that the more space and better the filtration, the healthier your fish will be. It's hard to keep Goldfish happy in tanks less than 30 gallons in size and without a decent electric canister filter. Cheers, Neale.>

Fantails harassing black moor – 1/2/08
I had 2 fantails and a black moor in an outside aboveground pond of cca.
200 litres (80 gallons, I guess). As we get quite cold winters, this October, I transferred the fish in a makeshift aquarium inside (in several steps to get them acclimatised to the temperature (the garage, the screened porch than the hallway, finally the heated room).
<Good... and good technique>
The makeshift aquarium was about 50 litres
<Needs to be larger than this...>
and the fantails seemed to be harassing the black moor, so I had them separated (the black moor on its own in one, the fantails together in another.
<Good>
I tried to improvise the system which would cycle the water among the two aquaria, hoping that the larger amount of water would be more easily balanced. This didn't work out very well: it was impossible to maintain equal water levels, so I had run the setup with separate air pumps to drive small DIY filters.
It all sent seemingly fine and 2 months later I decided to buy a larger glass aquarium (120 litres - around 30 gal),
<Needs to larger...>
which I set up using existing filter media and gravel, hoping that it would be better looking and give more space to the fish. When I put them together, the fantails started harassing the moor. The moor would "hide" on the bottom or upside down in the corner. I had hoped that the larger space would be enough to prevent such behaviour.
<If it were large enough...>
The question is: will they stop fighting eventually and If not, is it better to keep them separated in different tanks or try a tank divider.
<I would first get a large/r enough system...>
I really like the large tank and the water quality is great in it, so I feel sorry for the moor to be left in a small tank and having to endure larger water changes.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Kata
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. The behavior you observe is quite common... and you do need to address it... by separation, or providing suitable space. Bob Fenner>

Re: fantails harassing black moor 1/2/08
Dear Bob,
Are you saying that I need more than 120litres for 3 tiny goldfish
(around 5 cm)?
<Mmm, no... sorry for the assumption on my part... I thought your fans would be much larger than this>
I read somewhere that I need a gallon for every inch of fish and I have much more than that.
<A poor "rule"... imagine a ten inch fish in a ten gallon system...>
Even your "rule" of several gallons per young fish and even 10 gallons per fish still hold. How much more would you say I need?
Thanks.
Kata
<You should be fine here after all... until these fish are much larger... in a cool (temp.) garage setting, with adequate biofiltration. I would just put in a partition to keep the gold fans from the Moor. Cheers, BobF>

Redcap Oranda problem  11/6/07
Hello, I have a red cap Oranda named snookums for about a year now and is quite healthy and just recently ive noticed the large red cap growth has grown to an extent where it covers the top of its head completely. it also has some kind of clear tissue/membrane growth by its cheeks which doesn't look like any disease at all but looks more like parts of its face... my question and concern is that the membrane by its cheeks is slowly growing and beginning to creep near its eyes. what would be the best thing or method to counter that?
<Mmm, there are times, folks who advocate some sort of surgical removal... I do not... I would just wait, allow the fish to develop other senses to finding its way about, food...>
ive seen a picture of it in a book (cant remember the title) where they would use a scalpel and remove the membrane quickly while the fish is out of the water for a few seconds?
<Yes>
I know this sounds barbaric, but they mentioned that this is the only thing that can be done to save it.
<Can, will adapt as is...>
this is exactly what happened to my brothers goldfish until it was too late and the fish couldn't see where it would swim too, then it just stayed in one place helpless... I really don't want this to happen to my fish, so any help would
be appreciated.
thanks in advance,
Ryan
<Try to not worry, anthropomorphize... All will likely be fine. Bob Fenner>

Black Moor Behaviour   9/16/07
Hello :)
<<Hello back. :) Tom here.>>
Sorry to bother you.
<<Bother away! That’s why we’re here!>>
I have 3 baby black moors, 2 in one tank and 1 in another smaller tank.
<<How large are the tanks?>>
Of the two sharing a tank, one likes to swim around all the time and the other likes to lie on the bottom in the black rocks about 50% of the time.
<<Swimming around all the time is good. Lying on the bottom isn’t, even when it’s only 50% of the time.>>
The one in the tank by himself likes sitting on the bottom about 80% of the time.
<<Trust me. He doesn’t “like” it. He’s laying on the bottom because something’s not right.>>
They are not 'head-standing' rather just resting on their bellies in the middle of the tank. Should I be worried about this?
<<Yes, you should. Do me a favor and write back with the specifics about the tanks, i.e. size, filtration, water parameters (if possible), cleaning regimen/schedule, etc. It’s a good bet that your Moors are in tanks that are either too small, which is a very common mistake, or, the water conditions are out of line with their requirements. (Don’t be afraid to include your name. :) )
Thank you!
<<You’re welcome and, I’ll look forward to hearing back from you. Tom>>

Weird lionhead behavior   9/11/07 
Hi,
<Howdy>
I recently purchased a lion head goldfish, and it has a really odd behavior. In one particular section of my tank, it would first float vertically with its mouth and head at the bottom of the tank, and then it would eventually flip over and "sleep" on its side as if its dead. It would do this for a period of time and "wake up" from its sleep and swim around like nothing has happened. When it does "wake up" it acts fine like nothing is wrong and continues to swim joyfully around the tank with its other buddies. Is this normal behavior lionheads? Or is there something wrong with it. Thanks for all the help!
sleeping fish
<Mmm, like too many fancy goldfish, this reads as if this one is suffering imbalance problems from genetic, possibly to likely nutritional, and perhaps traumatic influences... Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm
Perhaps a careful regimen of low protein food... Bob Fenner>

Re: weird lionhead behavior   9/12/07
Hi,
Thanks for the tips, I've been watching my new lionhead and noticed that its having trouble keeping its balance. It seems like whenever it tries to idle around (without really using its fins to swim ) the head is too heavy for the body, and it keeps on tipping over. Is a new diet the answer or is this a more serious problem. Thanks for all the help!
<Welcome my friend. I too keep fancy goldfish... They are beautiful... but like some companion dog breeds, I do think that some lines are getting "too touchy". Bob Fenner>

Constant swim bladder issues... floaty... goldfish   9/10/07
Hi, my name is Mel. I've had a smooth running goldfish tank for over a year now, but a new resident is making me worry. He was a birthday present from my little sister and although she meant well, she picked a dud. Dwight, as we call him, is not a beautiful fancy goldfish. In fact, he's rather a mutant. He seems to be a cross of breeds but due to his awkward appearance, I have no idea which two. Dwight has one eyeball larger then the other, which leads to difficulty feeding, and small fins which means he has to swim twice as hard as everyone else. Although he does eat and has grown to a healthy size, he seems to have a problem with his swim bladder. Usually at the end of the day little Dwight just kind of float with his back against the surface of the water. He moves around the tank but sticks to the surface.
<Not good>
Every now and then he dives, but quickly bobs back up. I was worried the first few days, but every morning he's right as rain again. Since none of the other fish are
affected I'm pretty sure it's not water quality, and since it's regular I have a feeling it's just a down side of Dwight's interesting physic.
<Well put... Is likely a big factor here>
I was wondering if this home-grown hypothesis makes sense and if there is anything I can do, changing his diet of TetraColor Sinking Goldfish Pellets or adding some kind of organic food item, that will help with his swim bladder problem. Thank you so much for your help.
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm
and the linked files above... till you understand the inputs (about the same as you state above) along with the dried food issue for this fancy breed... and options for treatment. Bob Fenner>

The Finks continued... 9/5/07
Dear Crew (and Neale),
<Hello,>
I wrote to you a few weeks ago about Molefink and Batfink, the 1.5" double-tails who were languishing in a 14 litre starter kit and I thought you'd be pleased to know that as of a week ago, they were upgraded to a whopping 40 gallon monster-tank (a Juwel Rio 180) courtesy of my other half who felt that one trip to the petshop for a big tank was better than fifty trips for medicine.
<Indeed! I have the Rio 180 myself, and a very fine aquarium it is too. I did add a second filter though, and eventually a third, because I have a Panaque catfish in there who could poop for England in the Olympics.>
I've put the foam from the little starter kit filter into the big filter to hurry up the cycling and in the past week they've shown dramatic improvements; we seem to be winning the war on diseases.
<Big tanks = healthier fish = easier fishkeeping. No-one believes us when we say this, but buy a tank twice the size you planned on, and you'll end up cutting the work and expense in half.>
However, Molefink has done something weird to his mouth. To explain, on the upper lip, the inner part that telescopes out and picks up gravel etc. seems to have come out too far and the little upside-down V has caught the outer skin. As he's closed his mouth, it's pulled the outer skin up.
<Yes, seen this before in goldfish. It's a slight dislocation of the jaw.>
I've been watching for a couple of days hoping that he'll do a big yawn and that the outer skin will pop back over the V and sit back where it should, but so far no joy.
<Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Either way, it isn't anything to worry about unduly.>
He doesn't seem particularly upset about it but I was worried that if it stays like that, from all the eating and gravelling and just general breathing, the skin might get sore and become infected or even split, and I didn't want to try wrestling it back into place myself because he's so tiny and I'm a ham-fisted giant in comparison.
<Agreed; manipulating fish is possible but needs to be done extremely carefully because their bones aren't nearly as strong as you would think (because, of course, water carries they weight, not their skeleton). In all honesty, while it *might* be possible for a fishkeeper to re-locate a dislocated jaw, I can't help but feel this is something best left to a vet.>
Is there anything I could (or should) do?
<No, not really. So long as he's feeding, just let him be.>
Or should I see how it goes?
<Yes.>
Thank you very much again, and for your help before. It's immensely appreciated.
Claire and The Finks
<Good luck, and good to hear things are working out. Cheers, Neale>

Goldfish Behaviour: Odd? Crowded, uncycled, reading    8/30/07
Hi, great website, I've learned loads in the last couple of hours! I've had as good a look as I can, but haven't been able to find an answer to my specific question. Apologies if I'm just too blind to see it!
<Okay>
I bought a 18x10x10 inch tank (I can't figure out what that is in gallons ... math is not my strong point)
<... there are about 231 cubic inches per gallon...>
last week, and put a goldfish and a comet in a few days ago.
<Won't be enough room...>
I'm gathering from your site that the tank is too small (although the pet retailer said the tank was adequate for three goldfish, which is irritating) and I will upgrade once the fish are bigger. They're about 4cms at the moment and it doesn't look cramped, but:
<...>
Yesterday I noticed that every time they bump into each other (which is often as they seem to loiter in the same areas all the time) they sort of rub against each other and chase each others tails, rather like puppies would if they had fins and scales ;). I'm new to fish keeping, and while it doesn't look serious I can't decide if it's playing, mating behaviour, or a minor form of fighting which will get worse as they grow bigger. I really don't want unhappy fish and I'm not sure whether I'm worrying over nothing or if my concerns are genuine. I'd much appreciate any advice you could give me!
Ellie
<... this system is not cycled... The fish are poisoning themselves... may be other issues... Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Hi, just a couple of questions about Goldfish, please... Sys., beh. mostly    8/26/07
Hi! You really have a great website!
<<Hello, Kim. Tom here.>>
I just have a couple of questions. I have 2 black moors and a goldfish.
<<Not being “picky” about this at all, Kim, but your Moors are Goldfish, too. I understand the distinction you’re making, though.>>
I just changed out the rocks in their tank (I read the rocks could be bad for them) to sand & the moors have been lying on the bottom some.
<<Goldfish do have a habit of picking up rocks, which can sometimes get stuck in their throats. From this standpoint, yes, rocks can be problematic for Goldfish.>>
They still come up to eat immediately & don't look sick at all, so wondering if they are just sleeping?
<<Goldfish aren’t noted for sleeping on the bottom of their tanks. This behavior is usually associated more with some type of stressful situation/condition going on.>>
Or if it is constipation- (they do look fat). They do eat like they are ravenous though, since I changed from flakes to worms. I don't really have the opportunity to watch my tank during the day, but I can't think of a time I've seen them poop.
<<A high-quality Goldfish-blend of flakes shouldn’t be causing constipation, Kim. The worms – depending on what type of worms we’re talking about – might contribute to this, though. Greens in their diets should alleviate the problem as will brine shrimp, for what it's worth.>>
I have two snails to help clean & the sand is white so I would be able to see it if there was some there.
<<Well, you may have given us a clue here with the white sand. First, a white, or very light, colored substrate is unnatural for Goldfish (and a lot of other fish, as well). The light reflecting off of the bottom is disorienting for them. By that I mean that your fish tend to “orient” themselves in the water by seeing “light” above them and “dark” below. When they see light above AND below, they lose their sense of positioning and become stressed, the same way you or I would if we had no sense of up from down.>>
It has only been a week since I changed to sand though - maybe not enough time for build up. I tell you what - those snails really scour that tank though! So, should I try the Epsom salt for constipation (1T/5 gal) or would it hurt if there were no problems? Is lying on the bottom at all normal or should they just be swimming constantly?
<<The Epsom salt can be effective as a saline laxative, Kim, but I’d rather see you try a variation in diet first. Moors as well as some of the other fancy-variety Goldfish have a naturally “plump” appearance, anyway. Without a fair amount of experience with these fish, the difference between a fish that needs a membership at the gym and one that’s legitimately bloated from constipation might be a tough call to make. I’d also like to see you purchase some black sand and try to darken up the substrate. Ideally, I’d really like to see you change this out completely to a dark substrate but it might be worth the trouble to see if a mix of the two is enough to alter your Moors’ behaviors. Hanging out at the bottom of the tank is not normal for these fish so there's something here that needs to be fixed.>>
FYI- I have been feeding them dehydrated worms lately. I have had a lot of trouble with the water changing colors/clouding (even when the label said it wouldn't) with other foods & can't really afford the expensive stuff online. I have been trying peas - which they ate - & romaine - which they didn't think too much of.
<<Zucchini and spinach are a couple of other items you might try, Kim. Vegetable matter, at any rate, is the best way to go.>>
Second question. My goldfish has been nudging the belly of one of the black moors, I don't know if this is bullying or trying to get her to spawn?
<<More likely trying to get her to spawn rather than bullying her. Might also account for some plumpness in her belly if she’s carrying eggs.>>
We did have a slight change in water temperature, but not for a long period of time to encourage spawning. Not really trying to have
babies, but that would be cute.......little tiny goldfish (: Let me know if I should trade the goldfish or give it to a friend and get
another fancy one.
<<One thing I don’t know, Kim, is how large a tank your fish are in. If the “Goldfish” is a Comet or Common variety, you require a much larger tank than you would for the smaller fancy varieties. Even with the two Moors and a “Fancy”, you’d really need a 40-gallon tank, or larger, to accommodate them long-term. Given ample room to grow and thrive, the move to trade/donate your Goldfish for another variety isn’t something I would recommend one way or another. Kind of like telling you how to decorate your home if you see what I mean.>>
Any help would be appreciated!
<<Summing this all up, Kim, I would, first, darken up the substrate substantially. Second, keep experimenting with vegetables until you find some (the peas are good) that they’ll take to regularly and, finally, evaluate the size of your tank to ensure that your fish have the appropriate amount of space. In this last regard, if your tank is “small”, i.e. less than 40 gallons, I’d move this upgrade higher up on the “priority ladder” to avoid bigger problems.>>
Thanks!
Kim
<<You’re welcome, Kim. Good luck to you. Tom>>

Re: Hi, just a couple of questions about Goldfish, please...  Ongoing... Kim, Tom  – 08/27/07
Thank you so very much for your time & expertise!
<<Not a problem, Kim. Only so happy to assist.>>
Is there some reason you don't care for giving fish away? Maybe the stress of the travel once again?
<<That certainly factors in, Kim. The “sentimental” side of me also likes to believe that folks become attached to their fish as they might with any other type of pet. Sometimes giving the fish up is the only positive action to take but I don’t figure that I get “paid” (cough, cough) for telling hobbyists to get rid of their fish unless there’s clearly no other alternative.>>
Gosh, after spending the money on the sand - it was expensive for aquarium sand ($26/ 1 gal or so) & not exactly easy to do the
transformation.
<<Exactly why I suggested trying to “darken” the sand rather than another transformation, Kim. I’m for economic “fixes” whenever possible. I’m sure that there are so-called “cheap” alternatives to this. Driftwood, dark-colored decorations, flat rock or stones that you might create “caves” with. Wander around a good LFS and you just might find something that catches your eye and allows you to create something of interest for both you and your fish. Anything that you think might break up the “glare” off the bottom.>>
I just get so worried about stressing them out. I've become pretty attached to those little ones. Although, I admit I really don't have the process down yet & maybe it is more me that is stressed out (;
<<Get in line, Kim. The only hobbyists that don’t “stress”, if only a little, are the ones who don’t have a clue as to what they’re doing. No guarantees in our hobby but we can “hedge our bets” with research and knowledge.>>
The reasoning behind the white sand is so I can see them better (now wish the pet stores didn't sell white if this is what happens - I didn't know).
<<Depends on the fish you keep. Goldfish don’t live in white-sand habitats. Many saltwater fish do. LFS’s cater to a lot of different hobbyists. Was this something that you should have been aware of? No, it isn’t. It’s admittedly an “obscure” piece of information but an important one, nonetheless. Now, you know and you can tuck this little tidbit away for the future. ;) >>
I have fashioned a large glazed flower pot into a fish tank- LARGE flower pot (w/submersible filter, lights, etc) and the insides are dark & it is hard to see the moors in this atmosphere, though they are my favorites next to the calico.
<<Not big enough, unfortunately, Kim. Your “Calico” is a Shubunkin Goldfish, which is related to the Comets and Commons. Can grow to a foot in length. Your Black Moors will also need a larger environment unless your flower pot is capable of holding 30 gallons, or more, of water. My advice, if you’re serious about your pets, is not to get “cutesy” where their home is concerned. (We see this with Bettas, as a ‘for instance’, all the time.) Commit yourself to a “real” aquarium where your pets will thrive and reach their full potential. They might come close to outliving me if you do it right. :) >>
I will buy them some brine shrimp & keep trying on the veggies. Seems the peas, even after shelling, are a little to large for them to deal with. They eat them, but it takes awhile and one of the bigger moors doesn't really search the bottom, for food that is. Sure is tough to get the food in front of a Moors face sometimes, but it is fun when they eat out of my fingers. (:
<<Kim, I’ve an Angelfish that has taught every one of my other little crumb-snatchers to push their noses against the front of the tank when they “think” it’s meal time. It’s practically embarrassing! When I change the water, it’s a circus! I feel like I just took them all to a Water Park, for Heaven’s sake. Everybody wants to be in the “flow”. Amazing to have that kind of “connection” with creatures from such a different environment than our own. Very special. Please, keep me posted, Kim. My best. Tom>>

Discoloured Shubunkin  8/16/07
I am currently extremely concerned about my Shubunkin.
<OK...>
Approximately two weeks ago he developed a red lump on his side that then developed a fluffy white head. Within an hour of the fluffy white head's emergence it was gone. The next morning I went down to the local aquatic specialist and asked what should be done, the man there said that it was probably a parasite and now that the head was gone I should leave it a week to heal unless he started to deteriorate in which case they would examine the fish for me.
<Hmm. Not what I would have done. Any time there is a mysterious growth on a fish that could be either fungus (which is fluffy) or finrot (which is red), I treat at once. Both these diseases are easy to cure early on, but virtually untreatable when advanced. Since medications are cheap and safe when used properly, there's nothing to be lost by "jumping the gun".>
However we got onto the subject of the tank that I was keeping my fish in. I had bought a 25litre tank at another local pet store and had been assured that it would safely hold 4 goldfish, and was more than spacious enough for my goldfish and shubunkin. I was informed that this tank was far too small for my fish and ended up buying a 65litre tank. I fully intended to cycle the tank before I used it but was told that as long as I added all the water from the previous tank that there should not be a problem, in-fact the extra water would help the parasite problem which it did and now the red lump has disappeared. But that I should wait a few days before adding plants.
<Even 65 litres is borderline for 2 goldfish. Regular goldfish are really pond animals, and need something around 100 litres each; fancy goldfish are certainly aquarium fish, but need only marginally less space. The problem is goldfish are [a] big and [b] messy. In a small tank they can't swim about much and their constant sifting of the substrate overwhelms the filter and makes the water murky. You might be fine for a couple of years with what you have, but once the fish reach around 15 cm long (and they will) you'll see very clearly where I'm coming from here. Retailers are UTTERLY useless on goldfish. Many retailers would happily sell goldfish in bowls without filters and a little pots of ants' eggs for food. So read, learn, and make your own mind up.>
When I went to add the plants I was told to remove the bubbler from the filter, however the fish started surfacing a lot more than usual (especially the shubunkin) so I decided that I would rather lose the plants than the fish and decided to put it back in which seems to have alleviated the problem.
<When the fish gulp for air, it means water quality has dropped. Do you have a filter?>
However the shubunkin has now developed a red discoloration on his main body and along the base of his dorsal fin, which I am assuming is down to ammonia poisoning because the tank was not cycled properly.
<Correct. Treat for finrot and fungus immediately.>
Normally I would perform a large emergency water change. However we have had extensive flooding in our county which has meant that all the water in the treatment plants has been contaminated and the water has been cut off for potentially 7-14 days so it is hard enough to get hold of 2 litres of water let alone 20 and I don't think that the emergency services or armed forces that are currently assisting us would provided me with that kind of amount on the basis that I think my fish might be sick. So I was wondering if there was any substance that could be added to the water already in the tank that might help temporarily neutralise the ammonia and the damage that it is doing to my fish until I get the opportunity to perform said water change?
<Non-iodised cooking salt can be used to detoxify ammonia over the short term, at a dosage of around 3-5 grammes per litre. Increase the salinity in the aquarium gradually, perhaps by adding the salt in batches across 4 days. A better solution is to buy some zeolite ("ammonia remover") and fill a bubble-up box filter or similar with the stuff. This removes ammonia directly. You will need to replace it every couple of weeks, but it's cheap, and as a stop-gap, very effective.>
Any help would be appreciated
Tamara x x
<Hope this helps, Neale>

Goldfish hanging on surface   8/12/07
I have noticed from quite few months that one of my goldfish hangs on the surface. It also never goes down at night and sleeps on the surface only.
<Mmm, not good>
It's other activities are fine. It eats properly swims properly etc. But it just floats on the top. Now from last one month my another fish is doing the same thing.
What is the reason. Is there any problem. Because rest all other things they do perfectly fine. Pls give remedies
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm
and the linked files above... Likely you're faced with a very common issue of genetic predisposition and nutritional/environmental leaning... Bob Fenner>

Re: Goldfish hanging on surface  8/13/07
I read that article. Its about malnutrition.
<Mmm, only in part... the root problem here is the skewed genetics of these fancy goldfish... propensity for fatty accumulation... what it does in terms of squeezing other organs, mal-affecting their orientation>
But my that fish is absolutely fine. It eats properly. Swims properly. She is absolutely normal. She is also NOT up side down. But she only hangs on surface
<... BobF>

Goldfish... beh.   8/5/07
Hi,
I bought two goldfish a few days ago. One of them has just begun to float upside down. Its gills and eyes still move though. Once in a while it will go swim around but end up floating again. When we first got it were thought it was pregnant because it is so huge. Now I am not sure if it is dying or pregnant. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You!
<Greetings. I can't really offer any advice here because you don't give any information. How big is the tank? What sort of filter do you use? How long has the tank been established? What are the nitrite and ammonia levels? What is the pH and hardness of the water? What do you feed your goldfish? How often do you do water changes? How much water do you change? Do you use dechlorinator with each water change? All these are factors that need to be considered. Usually the problem is people stick their new fish into an immature aquarium and the poor little creatures end up being poisoned to death by the appalling water quality in the tank (or, God forbid, bowl). Make sure you read the articles here at WWM on goldfish. Goldfish *aren't* easy to keep, and far too many people forget they are animals and treat them with no more compassion than a pair of shoes. Cheers, Neale>

Goldfish gulping air after eating   5/25/07
Hello!
<Hi there>
Hopefully you can shed some insight on this for me. 75g tank, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 20 nitrate,
<Borderline high... I would not let this get any higher...>
8.0 pH, 300+kH, 300+gH, 75* temp. My goldfish gulp air after eating for 1-2 hours. They ONLY do it after eating.
<Mmmm...>
All of their food is pre-soaked and they do not eat from the surface as it sinks as soon as it's put into the water. They do not gulp air during feeding but rather after a feeding. I have tried more food, less food, different foods, killing the air stones during and after feeding (thought they might have been confusing bubbles for food) and they still do it. They also yawn throughout the day. When gulping, they allow the air to bubble out thru their gills while at the surface.
<Sounds/reads like they're either getting too fat, too much food, and/or there is insufficient gaseous diffusion>
This is not being caused by gill parasites (have been tx'ed with formalin/malachite green and also Praziquantel). This is not low 02 sat as I have tons of surface agitation. This is a problem specific to my 75g tank. Two recent additions were quarantined for a few weeks in a 20g QT tank. Neither fish yawned or gulped after a feeding. They were being fed the same foods as the fish in my 75g. Within a day of being in the 75g they BOTH started yawning and gulping after meals.
<Interesting>
The only difference between the 20g QT and 75g display is the gravel and the 75g has a bunch of hornwort and java moss in it (which the little piggies graze on constantly). I also have a diatom problem in my 75g that I can't get rid of (have tried Ramshorn snails, silicate and phosphate mitigation via Phos-Sorb).
<I'd try growing some purposeful aquatic plant/s... to use the same nutrient, light, compete chemically... My fave (the one I use with my goldfishes): Hornwort, aka Coontail, Ceratophyllum...>
I have never, ever had a diatom problem in any of my three tanks for the 8 years I've been in this hobby. I am convinced it is the gravel leaching silicates (hence the diatoms) and something else (hence the yawning and gulping) into the water that is irritating the fish's gills.
<Again, very interesting>
This gravel was bought at Wal-Mart (Aqua-Culture brand IIRC) and was packaged and labeled for aquarium use.
I am just about ready to go bare-bottom in my 75g to see if it stops the gulping. I have been removing the gravel slowly so as not to shock the biofiltration in the tank. I now have a single layer of gravel and can safely remove what remains in one fell swoop.
Before I rule out the gravel by removing it............can you think of anything I have missed?
Mike
<Well... I would first try switching the food... my choice here is the Spectrum brand of pellets... And the plant... either the species mentioned above, or Egeria/Elodea/Anacharis... Bob Fenner>

Shubunkin/comet very lethargic please help   5/20/07
good morning,
<Yawnnnn!>
I have looked around the www and couldn't find a definite answer and I need help. Thankfully, I found your site, but couldn't find this issue.
We have a 30 gallon tank with a small catfish and a shubunkin/comet. I am not sure what he is.
But I know something is wrong.
He likes to clean the gravel in the tank and spit it out. I am worried he has a piece of gravel stuck and he is very lethargic. He props himself up on one of my tank decorations and just sits on the bottom. When I fed him yesterday he seemed disinterested at first, swam to the top, and returned to the bottom by drifting down. I don't know if he is lonely or if he has in fact swallowed a piece of gravel. I have been wondering if gravel was a problem for these, but the fish store had him in a gravel lined tank. I keep the tank extremely clean and have never had this problem with him since we got him 5 years ago.
If it is gravel stuck, what do I do?
<Perhaps nothing... wait and see if it is gravel, if the fish does/can spit it back out... Or, be a bit more active, catch the fish, hold it in place, probe gently, try to extricate the gravel (with forceps, tweezers, a wooden toothpick...)>
I know the first thing is to get it out, but how? Then get rid of the gravel and go for marbles?
<Mmm, no... The real/root problem here actually may not be gravel... but the environment... likely metabolite accumulation... Do you have water quality test kits? Even just measuring, relating ammonia, nitrite and nitrate concentration here will be helpful...>
I don't want him to suffer and the catfish seems fine. So it is definitely something with him.
Please help...  
Many Thanks,
Cathy
<Please help yourself by reading here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Goldfish behavior problem    5/11/07
Hello Crew!
I had just written to you about the black moor goldfish, and asked some general questions, however I have a slight problem that has just occurred within the last two days.
I own two black moors, in a 20 gallon tank,
<Will need more room than this>
water is filtered, all chemicals check out, etc.
The fish are both approximately 1.25-1.5 inches long (nose to end of tail), and have only lived in this aquarium for less than one week.
<Is this system cycled?>
  They have been taken from the same aquarium at the pet store.
I set up the tank, let it settle, etc.  and introduced only one black moor the first day (accompanying fantail died upon arrival, and was never introduced), and introduced the second black moor on day two (after return of fantail).  The first, Zircon, is bullying the second, Onyx.  He nips at her anal region, and it almost seems like it could potentially be a mating thing?
<Mmm, no>
Because these fish seem relatively young, I didn't think this was the case - what else could it be?  
<Environmentally driven agonistic behavior...>
Just a mean fish?  Not really knowing the gender of these fish, is there a way to tell?  
<Not at this size, no>
I have not located any tubercules (sp?), most likely because of age.
<Correct>
Is there anything that I can do to stop this behavior?
<Check your water quality... for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate mostly>
Both fish seem completely healthy, are both eating well (love peas!), and Onyx does not show any signs of bitten off fins.
Please let me know if there is a solution (adding more plants?),
<Might help>
or if it's just a mean fish.
Thanks!
Megan
P.S.  Water temperature ranges from high 70s to low 80s.
<A bit high on the upper side... Do you have a thermostatic heater here? I would lower the setting... maybe leave the lights off during the day (hot hours)... And please do read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above re ammonia, et al.. Bob Fenner>

Re: Black Moor Questions + one last detail!    5/11/07
Thanks again for the help, I just sent another e-mail in regards to their behavior.  Just for a reassurance, the tank has been cycled (or is at the very very end),
<Any ammonia, nitrite presence will damage and have damaged the fishes health... change their behavior>
and all water quality issues are currently out of the picture!  :)
However, is it normal for a "black" moor to actually be on the verge of bronze/black in terms of coloration?  Will he ever be black again?
Thanks again!
Megan
<Can be normal, but also can be stress-induced... and can recover blackness with time, good care. Bob Fenner>

Goldfish with frayed, blackened fins   4/30/07
Hello fish experts.  I have two goldfish in a 6 gallon
<Too small a volume...>
tank which have developed fraying fins (fin rot?),
<Environmental...>
but also these frayed edges have begun turning black.  I have only found one question on this, but it was after the fish was dead!  My fish seem to be behaving normally.  I changed about 30 percent of the water and tested it.  Everything was normal, except the water was quite hard and alkaline.  I also put in a product called fungus clear.
That was three days ago and I have seen no improvement.  How long should this take to clear up and is there something else I should do?
Thank you,
Alison
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Comets and A red Cap, Mating or aggressive behaviour?  – 04/16/07
I have a ten gallon with three comets, one calico and one red cap.
<<That tank isn't large enough for one of these fish.  Please read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm, http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm.>>
All of them are roughly 3 inches and very happy.  When I came home today (lights were out) and they were thrashing through the tank after each other. Mostly after the red cap and then breaking into pairs chasing each other. Is it mating season?
<<It's an over-stocked tank.>>
My red cap seems exhausted, I caught it in my net and have it floating to give it a break, although the comets are still chasing each other, they keep coming up to the net and sniffing around her tail and mid section. Should I get a divider for the tank as I have no room for another tank (or for that matter more fish). The kids won the comets at a carnival 2 yrs ago. HELP!
<<I'm sorry, but your tank is just too cramped.  Perhaps offer the fish to a friend with a pond, where your fish will grow to their normal 1-foot plus in length.  Lisa Brown.>>

A missing fish, goldfish gone  4/14/07
Hi,
<David... Am sure you're aware of your famous namesake... in our, other interests... the first president of Stanford...>
I have four little goldfish in a tank that I am starting to realize is too small.  (10 gal, for 4 2" fish.)
<Ah yes... too crowded>
  It's your typical tank with a top-light, cascade type tetra filter (sucks the water up, puts it through carbon filter, cascades it back in).
  One of my fish, who has seemed perfectly healthy, has simply disappeared. I have searched the area all around, and don't find a corpse anywhere near the tank.  I have checked the water levels and they are right in line.  How can he have simply disappeared??  If he died while I was at work would the others have eaten him?
<Mmm, not that quickly... likely did "jump out"...>
There are several inches of clearance to the top of the tank,
<Mmm... makes the leaving more difficult...>
plus a lid, and I can't imagine him jumping it.
<Do you have an "algae eater" here?>
Please let me know that I am not going insane!
thanks,
-David
<Perhaps a thief? Bob Fenner>

Separating aggressive goldfish   2/14/07
Hi There,
<Sossy>
Thanks for all the great info... I'm always on the site learning new things!
<Me too!>
I have a 25 gallon tank that only had one black moor in it.  It's now become large enough that I know it's a male.  I was told that goldfish love companionship
<Mmm, are actually sort of "autistic"... don't particularly need, yearn for company>
so I went and got another (albeit smaller) orange fantail.  I didn't know the sex of the fantail until the second day it was in my tank when it suddenly developed tubercles on it's gills and fins, so now I know it's also a male (I was hoping for a female).  Anyhow, the moor was chasing it non-stop, and to the point that it was ignoring it's own pellets when it was feeding time.  It just swam alongside the fantail trying to nip at it's pectoral fin while the fantail was going on about it's business.
<Yikes... a good idea to separate>
I immediately put a clear separator in the tank to stop the aggressive behaviour.
<Good>
My question is, do goldfish get used to each other or will I never be able to get rid of the separator? Is there anything else I can do?
<Sometimes do learn to "get along"... only trial can/will tell... and time going by. What you have done... the clear separator... is best to allow them to see and smell each other... Perhaps try its removal when you can be around to observe... a week or so from now>
Thanks for any/all your help.
Sossy.
<Bob Fenner>

Re: Hello again, goldfish beh.   2/27/07
Hi there WWM Crew,
<Hello>
Thanks for your recent advice about separating my older moor and my new fantail.  They are getting along well without the clear divider.
<Ah, good>
I do have another problem now, however.  Recently (before I introduced the fantail) my moor, who is about 1 year old and gorgeous, somehow got one of his eyes deflated.
<Happens... most often from a physical injury>
I wasn't sure what caused this, but I followed the advice you had given someone else in an article I read on your site by putting dissolved salt in the aquarium.  Nothing happened.  His behaviour did not change at all - he was still active, appetite was fine, his colour clear and fins were perky, so I left it alone.  I guess I shouldn't have because now he's totally lethargic, breathing rapidly, AND his eye is still deflated.  His fins are clasped so I know something is really wrong.  
<Mmm, the most likely trouble is the bio-filter bacteria were disturbed by the salt...>
I have a 25 gallon tank which I religiously clean once every 2 weeks (20% water changes as prescribed).  I medicate it with Nutrafin cycle and tap water cleanser.  I have real plants which I feed iron to each time I clean the water.  My gravel is very clean, the water is clear, and I always test my water weekly... all is well.  So what can the problem be?
<You test it for what? Ammonia? Nitrite?>
In terms of diet, they get Hikari Lionhead sinking pellets (about 5-7 each twice daily) and there are many plants and a little green algae for them to nibble on.
I hope the information I have here is enough for you to help me figure it all out!  
Thanks so much,
Sossy.
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Pregnant Fish - 02/09/2007
Hello there!
<Mornin'!>
Great web site by the way, your questions and answers are very entertaining.
<Thank you... and a bit educational/instructive I trust>
I have two little goldfish in a small aquarium on my desk.
<Mmm, about how many gallons?>
The fish are about an inch long not including fins etc.  One gold fan tail and one black moor.  The gold Fantail (Minnie) is suddenly much larger in the back side than Mickey.
<Minnie got back>
It's like she ate two balloons and shoved them behind her gills. Now I know fish don't get pregnant but I suspect she may be full of eggs
<Mmm, no... not at this size>
as she is otherwise happy and healthy and just as sprightly as ever despite her bulbous condition, always begging for food as soon as you look at her.  And Mickey is chasing her everywhere and has been for about a week.
<Not atypical goldfish behavior... and not a worry unless "excessive"...>
  He is also in perfect health.  I have bought some very leafy plants in the case that she needs somewhere to lay her eggs (forgive me I am a goldfish moron and am going purely on every fact (I use the term loosely) I have ever heard about goldfish).
<No worries>
If she is pregnant (so to speak) will I notice the eggs when she lays them, how long before that might happen, do I need to banish Mickey to avoid him snacking on his children?
<Again... likely the development is simply "expression" of genetic potential... the fish doing what it's going to do... Do take a read on WWM re Goldfish Systems... and take care re maintenance of this small volume... too easy to get into trouble.>
Thank you!!! Fish lover and fish idiot. Chanelle.
<You're in good company here. Bob Fenner>