Im afraid Ive slowly killed my goldfish:-(

Question
I had no idea that live plants can not be in a tank with goldfish.  I was given the goldfish - it was in a very small bowl - I bought a tank for it...but also bought roots that will grow.  Just a few days after he stopped swimming around.....I changed everything but kept the roots.  He has one side that is swollen lays as if dead but when I touch him he swims away. Is there anything I can do?

Answer
Hi Maggie,

Live plants do not affect the Goldfish. Live plants will not kill the Goldfish, the fish simply eats them, and that's why you cannot keep Goldfish with plants.

Your Goldfish is likely suffering from ammonia poisoning. Fish produce waste, and the decomposing waste turns into ammonia. Eventually bacteria form in your tank that remove the toxic ammonia, but this process takes over a month. Within this 'dangerous' month, you will need to perform water changes frequently, to keep down toxin concentrations.

Here's what you should do:

-Perform a large (50%) water change right now,
-Perform 20% water changes every day.

Your Goldfish may also be suffering from a bacterial infection. If you suspect that that is the case, buy an antibacterial medication at your local fish store.

Unfortunately, based on your description, your Goldfish may be too sick to save, and I'm sorry to hear that.

Best of luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!