Sudden Dead Fantail Goldfish

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a fantail goldfish and he died three days later.  I'm not an expert at raising fish, but I did follow advice from websites and what the workers at the pet store had to offer.  My fish was in a three gallon tank with about an average temperature of 65 degrees and a charcoal filter.  I was going to check the pH of the tank but it was too late and I found my fish dead.

Before I purchased my fish, I kept water in the tank for about 12 hours and used a Tank Buddies tablet that removes chlorine and other harmful substances.  I read that it is necessary to change about 25% of the water once or twice a week.  I did this last night and this afternoon, my fish had died.  I am hoping this is not what killed him.  I tried feeding him this morning and he did not eat.  I thought this was odd since he usually goes after his flakes.

I want to purchase another goldfish but I wanted true expert advice on everything I need to do in order to be certain that this does not happen again.

Also when I removed his body from the tank, it made a sizzling noise.  I am not sure if it was from the charcoal tank but I am curious as to what it was.

A five gallon tank that I had ordered just arrived today and it was going to be his new home.  I ordered a larger size to allow him to grow.

I appreciate anyone's help to get me started in the whole process again!  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

Most fish shops are adept at talking complete crap to their customers. Contrary to popular belief the goldfish is not the easiest fish to keep. However, cheap prices and wide availability have meant that they have been landed with the tag of animals that need little or no care at all. I'm really pleased that you've taken the time out to learn about your fish, given the right care Goldfish can be extremely rewarding.

First of your tank is too small, the minimum tank for a Goldfish is 10G. Goldfish need a large body of surface water for optimum oxygen exchange so a bigger than average tank is needed. The temperature of the tank is more or less spot on. However, install a thermometer, fancy goldfish are open to bacterial attack when the temperature drops below 13C/55F.

Also, your tank wasn't cycled properly. When setting up a new aquarium it has to be cycled for 6 weeks. During these 6 weeks the ammonia and nitrite levels peak and during this time it is extremely dangerous for livestock, especially delicate fancy species. However, there are live bacteria products on the market that mature the tank  immediately and fish can be added straight away.

With regards to the tablet it could possibly have broken the chlorine down. The chlorine could then react with ammonia in the tank and create chloramines. Unfortunately some water companies implement chloramines to keep the water free from bacteria. The problem for aquarists is removing the damn stuff. Most water treatments remove chloramines but that is a possibility.

I don't think you killed your goldfish at all. You went in for the water change far too early but that's what you were told to do so you're not in the wrong. 25% a week is sufficient for youngsters going upto 50% for adults.

Goldfish are shoaling animals so purchase about three fish next time, get the biggest tank possible (within your budget of course) and furnish with live duckweed. You should tailor their diet so the emphasis is more on plants rather than protein based foods. Flake food is full of animal and fish products so a high quality flake should be used sparingly. When you do come to use flake, use a vegetable based version (which is sold for livebearers). Also feed Daphnia or Bloodworm twice a week. Live food can lead to sharp colouring so use this rather than frozen alternatives. Although frozen foods can certainly be used should you wish. Try cooked rice, blanched lettuce, cooked peas, sushi nori, spinach etc for vegetarian treats.

Goldfish like hardwater which is slightly alkaline, aim for a pH of around 7.6, also choose a filter which has a turnover that is six times the volume of your tank.

It is likely that you will encounter ailments along the way. Fancies are particularly susceptible to finrot, constipation and swim-bladder but these are easily treated so give me a shout if you notice anything untoward.

Keep the decor of the tank simple, a few plants and a bit of wood will do. Goldfish are filthy fish so the gravel vac will become familiar with the substrate in the tank.

Never mix common goldfish with fancy varieties as the common goldfish is stronger and will have the monopoly on any food that enters the tank.

If you purchase a celestial or a bubble-eye goldfish keep them confined to a species tank. These species are where fancy goldfish cross from beautiful to grotesque. They cannot pick at substrate for food so don't put them in with burly tankmates.

You've done your home-work and I think you can jump straight from hardy common goldfish to the more delicate fancies. I think you should try a black moor, oranda or ranchu next.

However, get hold of a new tank and mature it properly before putting anything else into it.

Good Luck Karen

Tom






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom,

Thank you so much for your help and for assuring me that I tried my best!  I actually was going to purchase another fish (this time going for a betta instead of a goldfish since I have had one before).  I followed your and others' advice and decided to cycle the tank properly before getting another fish.  This time, I purchased three rosey minnows to cycle the tank (and I think I am just going to keep them!).  I was wondering if you could lend me any advice about these fish.  They seem easy to maintain.  The water has a pH of 7.0 and is 70 degrees without a heater.  The minnows are in a five gallon tank that has a bio wheel filter and a lamp.  I plan on feeding them tropical fish flakes and brine shrimp.  Again, I appreciate your advice!

Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

Your taste in fish is truly superb, Minnows are brilliant fish that sometimes get referred to as the poor man's Neon Tetra, but trust me they're much more than that.

Right, rosey reds are really popular amongst freshwater aquarists because they are tough as old boots. They are part of the Cyprinidae family, which means they are the same family as the goldfish. They are shoaling fish so keeping 8-10 is considered the norm. However, keeping three won't hurt, it just means there's more food to go round. Don't tell other experts I told you that because they will kill me!

They are omnivorous so small live and frozen foods will be appreciated in conjunction with a good quality flake food. They like cooler conditions so 18-22C (64-72F) will work well. In terms of pH, fairly neutral water is a must so 6.5-7.5 are your limits, with dH to 15.

Your Betta won't really be comfortable at anything under 24C(75F). Minnows will become stressed at this temperature and eventually die, so they probably aren't suitable for staying in the tank. They also stick in the same regions of the tank, so you risk over stocking it at a particular level.

I know I moan alot Karen, but I am male.

Right, flakes. Vegetable based flakes should be used really, cheap flakes are usually full of fish oils and crap that the fish can't break down and this leads to constipation.

Bettas love bloodworm, in Thailand they live in paddy fields, picking off mosquito larvae all day. So bloodworm will go down a treat. Minnows will also appreciate it.
They are also bubble nest builders so include two females and some tall plants. (if you wish to have baby fighters, which can be a massive pain in the arse)

Good luck, I think you might just have the knack for this fish-keeping malarkey!

Tom