A little worried !

Question
Hi, we got two goldfish at the weekend.  My boyfriend conditioned the water and did everything we were advised but the water seems pretty cloudy already with loads of bubbles at the top of the water.  The first day we had them they seemed fine but now spend a lot of time swimming right at the top of the bowl.  We got them from what we thought was a good pet shop but someone told me today with 2 fish, we should definitely have a filter but we were never told this.  I am so worried we are going to kill Bonnie and Clyde !

Can you help us ?!  

Answer
Hi Elle

Not sure on what size tank you have for them, but it's usually recommended to have at least 15-20 US gallons per goldfish.  They actually grow quite large(8-12+ inches), and they put out a lot of ammonia naturallly through their waste and respiration.  

In addition to that, you'd definitely want a filter for them.  Really in my opinion, all fish should have a filter.  The only exception I'd make to that would be a betta, but then the water still needs to be changed out every day for them.

Now, I'm going to post a link at the bottom here, it's on cycling a fish tank.  Goldfish are good hearty fish generally, for doing this.  Read through all the articles, it'll explain in good detail about the cycle process and what to do in that time.   

If your tank is smaller then at least a 20 gallon, I'd strongly recommended purchasing one at the very least that size(30 gallon would be better) along with a good filter like an Aqua Clear brand.  In the meantime, do a large water change, about 50% of the water, and do that daily until you can get the filter put on.  

And just a little note, unfortunately most fish/pet store employees are very un-informed and give out very poor advice-not all but most.  You're best bet is to check out fish forums, or do searches online or in books, or ask here.  Then you'll eventually figure out which pet store employees have a clue :)  Your main thing now, is to get the larger tank-if needed, definitely get a filter, and read up on that cycling process.  

Copy/paste to browser:

http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/startupcycle/Step_5_The_Cycle.htm

Good luck!!  And let me know if you have any more questions!!

Christy