Cloudy eyed fish

Question
Hi Chris, My name is Shelby and I just recently bought a black celestial/telescope eyed fish, along with another breed I could not identify. They seem as though they live in harmony with my golden apple snail. Ive had all 3 for less than a week, and I've changed the water twice because it was cloudy. I notcied lastnight what I thought was ick on my black one (squishey). But when I had my parents look at him they said it wasnt. After looking it up online I was relieved by my double checking that it wasnt. But he has cloudyness in his right eye and a little going towards his gills. Its really worrying me, and I dont know what to do. I have all three (squishey,bubbles,and mr/mrs slowskie) in a fish bowl with shells and glass beaded decorations. I was wondering what might be wrong with my squishey and is there anything I can do to help. I'm worried it will spread to bubbles or cause a problem for slowskie. If you have any sugestions they would be completely appreciated. -Shelby

Answer
Hi Shelby;

Somewhere along the line you got some bad advice about what goldfish need. I'm so sorry. Hopefully we can get them in better shape soon, but your fish really need a tank with a filter. Goldfish can't live in bowls. Their skin, eyes and gills are being burned from waste toxins in such a small space. The white cloudy eye and skin is a reaction to it, and it's just the beginning. Change at least 50% of their water very day to help them feel better for now until you can get them a larger tank. Be sure the new water is the same temperature as the old water to avoid temperature shock and be sure to use a water conditioner.

Goldfish are just very messy fish without even trying to be. They also get very large, over 6 inches long. Each one needs at least 10 gallons of tank water with a good filter such as a "hang-on-the-back power filter" or a "canister filter". For your two and the snail I suggest a 30 gallon or larger. Then you won't have to graduate up in size again. It should be fine for them as adults. Just don't get any more fish. Two goldfish is plenty for a 30 gallon. Make a 25% water change once a week in your goldfish tank and don't overfeed, and they should live long healthy lives of 10 years or more.

Here are some web pages about goldfish to help you know more;

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+1922&aid=2650

http://www.firsttankguide.net/goldfish.php

http://www.epinions.com/content_3185614980

http://www.geocities.com/shtinkythefish/goldfish.htm

I hope your little guys do better very soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins