gold fish with enlarged white eye

Question
I have had 3 goldfish in a 10 gallon tank for a few years. They have always done well. Recently we got a 30 gallon tank and added 3 more goldfish.  Now the new tank has a cloudy apperance dispite new water, fish salt, enzymes and a new carbon filter. The other problem is that my oldest goldfish started acting funny. His right eye became white, cloudy and puffy and he appears to be breathing heavy. At times he is very still and then he will start swimming all over the place.  Can you please advise me on what to do to help my fish and also how to keep the bigger tank clear. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jennifer
Depending on what type of goldfish you have, they have the potential to grow from 6-12+ inches, with the fancier varieties staying in the 6-8 inch range and common and comets in the 12+ inch range.  I doubt they're anywhere near their ideal size being kept in a 10 gallon tank for that long.  For a fancy goldfish, it's recommended to have a minimum of 15-20 gallons for one, and figure about 10 gallons added to that for each additional goldfish.  For a common or comet, the same to start out is fine, but eventually rather quickly, they would need a 55+ gallon tank, or even better a pond, for them to do their best and thrive.

At this point, I would strongly suggest returning the 3 new goldfish.  Even with the original 3 in the 30 gallon tank, it's overstocked, but with 6....the cloudy water is a sign of ammonia present in the tank.  It's actually beneficial bacteria that's colonizing in the tank.  Newly set up tanks go through what's called the nitrogen cycle or the cycle process, see link:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/biologicalcycle/a/nitrogencycle.htm

It's probably too late now, but I would've advised you to take your filter from your old tank and run it along with the new filter on the new tank.  That beneficial bacteria is mainly concentrated in the filter media-the pads, bio balls, etc.  & a smaller amount in the gravel/substrate and any rocks or decorations.  If you still have the filter from your 10 gallon, it won't hurt to run it in addition to the 30 gallon filter.  The bacteria is most likely dead on it though, but the extra filtration on the tank won't hurt-especially with goldfish.  The problem with your tank being overstocked, and going through the cycle, it'll never really complete the cycle and poor water quality/ammonia and nitrites will constantly be an issue.  Those are obviously very stressful to the fish, and that's what's most likely causing the problems your seeing with your fish right now that's sick.  

He sounds like he's suffering from a combination of popeye(eye swollen/sticking out) and cloudy eye(white cloudy appearance).  Cloudy eye can be from a bacterial infection and/or more commonly from poor water quality.  The popeye is usually caused by poor water quality as well, but it's an internal condition and is commonly seen with dropsy as well.  Basically, there's internal fluid building up, which is putting pressure on the eye causing it to swell or bulge.  Most of the time, just improving the water quality will cure both of those problems-though the popeye may still and always will appear swollen/popped out just depends on how severe it is.   

For now, I would suggest doing daily water changes of at least 25-30% to help dilute the ammonia that's building up in the tank.  I would suggest getting some Prime by Seachem as well.  It's a water dechlorinator, but it converts ammonia and nitrites to a nontoxic form without removing it, so the tank can still cycle, but they won't affect the fish.  But, it dissipates after 24 hours, so needs to be added daily until the tank cycles.  Also, like I said, I'd suggest returning the 3 new fish.  I know this probably isn't feasible since you've just bought the new tank, but a larger tank would be best for the 3 older goldies as well.  Without knowing what types they are, I would say at least a 55 gallon tank for them to do their best.  Also pick up a good testing kit.  I recommend API's Freshwater Master Test Kit, costs about 30. at the stores, about 15. online.  It has all the tests you need-ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph.  It's a liquid dropper test, which is better and more accurate then the dipstick kinds-and for the few extra dollars, it's worth it compared to the dipstick ones.  In a completely cycled tank, ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm, and nitrates kept under 20 ppm.  A tank that's cycling will have high levels of ammonia and nitrites-which are the two that are stressful and can kill your fish.

Some more links with info on goldies:
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/index.html

http://thegab.org/

Hope that helps and good luck.  Let me know if you have more questions.

Christy