fantail goldfish problem

Question
Hello Mr. Robbins,

I have purhased a 8 gallon BiOrb low maintenance aquarium two just over two weeks ago. Per the instructions we set up the tank with rocks added stress coat & stress enzymes and waited 24 hours before adding a fish.  We choice a very small fantail that was quite energetic at the pet store.  This little guy is suffering he looks terrible the aquarium kit came with alot of question & answers so it looks like he had swim bladder infection.  We went to the pet store and they said there is nothing you can do for it, and it will pass. We tried to add salt, peas, and flakes instead of pellets.  He looks terrible doesn't move but breathes at the bottom.  Maybe it is not swim bladder? HELP!! The BiOrb was a complete kit and I followed the instructions, so I didn't think it could be bacterial or anything?
Thanks for your time, Susan  

Answer
Hi Susan;

Fish with swim bladder issues will still eat and carry on as usual. They just can't sink or rise up in the water. He is likely suffering the effects of "New Tank Syndrome". Make a 25% water change today and another one for the next 3 more days. This lowers the toxins so he can tolerate them without stressing him further and without stopping the break-in process. If there is any excess food leftover anywhere it must be removed or it will poison the water and make him even more sick. Here is a link to my page about new tanks;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Another problem you will have soon is that your little goldfish is going to grow too big for that tank in the next few weeks or months. Goldfish get to be 6 to 8 inches long and are deep-bodied messy guys that need 10 to 20 gallons or more per fish to thrive once they reach adult size. Your little tank is suitable for smaller fish like zebra danios, white clouds, platies, and guppies. Goldfish just get too big.  

I hope he feels better soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins