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Fancy goldfish and fungus

23 16:09:54

Question
Hi, it's already too late for my poor goldfish, but I am hoping for some insight. I have a 27 gallon tank that had a black moore, two calico fantails, a red capped oranda, two red and white orandas, a white ryukin and two albino cats. I have had them all for over a year, since starting the tank. I only feed a varity of sinking foods with fresh fruits and veggies twice weekly. Frozen peas are given exclusivily twice weekly. These are the healthiest goldfish I have ever had. (30+ years of tanks).A month ago the black moore and the red cap suddenly showed signs of fungus. Mostly on their tails. After a water change and treatment with stress coat, I left the lights off for 24 hours and it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. This tuesday,(yesterday) I turned the lights on, and was horrified to see that most of the seven goldfish had fungus on their tails, fins and even their eyes.They were absolutely fine the night before, eating and very active. I did the water change and added fungus medication, but one was dead by that evening, three died overnight, and two more died earlier this afternoon. I now have one calico and the two cats. I am just devistated about this. I thought I was doing everything right this time.They were all large and had stunning colors. I have never dealt with a fungus this aggressive. I want to save the one I have left( he seems ok, and I am not seeing signs of fungus) so any suggestions would be great. I would also like to know what to do so I can add more goldfish.My biggest question though is where did this fungus come from? I have not added anything to the tank since I stared it (ornaments, plants, goldfish...)Could it be the fresh fruits and veggies. They get that on wednesdays and saturdays, would it take til tuesday to show up? Please help!!! Juli

Answer
Hi Juli:  It may not have been fungus at all.  I may have been a high ammonia issue.  Ammonia presents much the same way that a fungus infection does...even the cloudy eyes.  It would kill the weaker fish first which would explain why you have one left... it was probably the alpha fish in the tank.  Have you had your water tested???? let me know... dave