Floating fish

Question
Hello

I have two fantail goldfish which i have had for about 2 weeks. I change the water 10% in the tank every 4-5 days. Both the fish float around the tank and sometimes swim about rapidly for a bit but then go back to floating. One of them is mostly at the water surface gasping for air but the other fish doesn't and neither of them seem to have lost their appitite. I hope you can help.

Answer
Hi Kayleigh;

I would suspect "New Tank Syndrome". Goldfish are very messy guys and needs lots of room too. Make a 25% water change right away to alleviate the symptoms. Here is a link to my web page about new tanks;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

You didn't mention what size tank you have them in so here is a web page with guidelines about that and other goldfish things too;

http://www.firsttankguide.net/goldfish.php

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins