Help me with my fishes

Question
Hi its been about 2 days i have bought i small fish tank . I have 2 golden fish , 2 red cap while fishes and 2 silver angels. the gold fish n angels are behaving weirdo i think. one of them is jus liein in the bottom n not moving around much and the other gold is swimming on the top . the 2 angels are not able to eat anything as whenever i feed their food all the rest fishes eat it all away angels are just swimming slow arnd the corners of the tank. since 2dya morning the angels are swimming weird they r keeping their head or eye on top ... ie it is inkinda vertical posture to their normal posture of swimming . and not swimming much . wen i come twds them they go away from me .. i think they are scared so have stopped going much towards them now. please tel me if they are normal .. or there is some problem .. i dont want them to die ... waiting for ur reply..

Answer
Hi Supriya,

Unfortunately, you have a big problem with your fish tank. First of all, all fish need an aquarium with a filter. Secondly, Goldfish and Angelfish need larger aquariums of no less than 20 gallons (76L), because they can get quite big. Your Red Cap Oranda will reach an adult size of 12" (30cm), and your other 2 Goldfish will reach a size of anywhere between 12"(30cm) and 24"(60cm)! If you want to keep Goldfish, you MUST get a large tank. Why? In such a small tank, toxins from decomposing fish waste become concentrated fast, and your fish quickly dies from ammonia poisoning. Keeping a fish in a bowl or a tiny tank is the number one beginner's mistake, and as a result, the fish dies of ammonia poisoning.

Another HUGE problem you have is that Angels and Goldfish are NOT compatible with each other! Angelfish need a water temperature of 76F (25C)or greater, while Goldfish need a temperature of 70F (21C)or below!
This is actually a huge difference. Goldfish are coldwater fish, while Angels are Tropical fish, which need heaters. If Goldfish and Angelfish are kept together, no matter what tank size, one of the two will certainly die. In the future, please research fish compatibility and tank size before purchasing fish. For compatibility, see this link below.

http://www.tropicalfishandaquariums.com/Compatibility/index.php


You have to get a larger tank for your fish. Since you are fairly new to the hobby, I recommend that you get a 20 gallon (76L) tank kit. These should be available at your local fish store. A kit comes with a filter, heater, tank, and lighting system. Then, you can keep Goldfish (Orandas and Common Goldfish). You will still have to return the Angels, unless you want to get another tank.

If you cannot buy a larger tank, I highly recommend that you return ALL your fish or give them away immediately. They will die in the next few days, unless they are moved to a proper aquarium. Until you get a chance to remove them, then perform 50% water changes in the bowl or container. This means you take out half of the water, and replace it with freshwater.

You are most likely keeping fish for the first time, or a novice. There's lots to learn, and I recommend that you read up on some basic fishkeeping guides on the internet. Just search "Fishkeeping Basics" or "Hagen Fishkeeping Guide" on the internet.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me1

Good luck ,and happy fishkeeping!