Goldfish sucking air

Question
The bowl is about 14" diameter, I had a fish in there b4 for 3 yrs with no problem, I do use a water conditioner, tap safe, the fish is growing fast probably ain't guna get much bigger though, but I wouldn't say he's too big for the tank and I change the water once a week normally, hope this is some use, and like I said b4 any help is greatly appreciated ;)

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Followup To
Question -
Hi Chris, I bought a new goldfish about a month ago and he seems to be sucking air all the time, this happens from about 36-48 hrs after i've cleaned the bowl, he's on his own in there and there is a piece of pond weed to keep the water oxygenated. Any help would be appreciated.
Answer -
Hi Danny;

How big is the bowl?
How big is the fish?
Do you use a water conditioner when you change the water?
How often do you change the water?

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins  

Answer
Hi Danny;

Poor guy. He really isn't getting enough oxygen. He came from well oxygenated water that was filtered to standing water containing little or no oxygen in your house. That's why fishbowls are known as 'torture chambers' for goldfish by experts and long-time hobbyists. The fish may "survive" for quite awhile, but he will be miserable most of the time. Goldfish lifespan is 10 years or more and they grow to be 6 to 8 inches when given the proper environment. Your other goldfish died way too young I'm afraid. I know the old saying that 'fish grow to the size of their tank', but it really is cruel to the fish. They grow as much as they can but then die prematurely before they ever reach their true potential. In between the weekly cleanings of the bowl there is ammonia buildup from waste that burns the skin, eyes and gills. That's what happens without a filter.

So, get your fish at least a 5 or 10 gallon tank with a filter. You only have to change 25% of the water every week that way and you will grow a beautiful happy and healthy fish too.

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!