:(Hi I`m new sorry Well I have a lions head gold fish we bought her in the wrong tank She became sick like sitting on the bottom and not swimming so we bought a 10 gallon kit with a outside filter lid and light and heater. Then we treated the fish with Mardel Tetracycline as I was treating her she had no visable signs of sickness then developed the second day a faint white spot on top fin then some mucus on fin after that two days all slowly went away.In the tank there was fuss that attached to the filter and floated around tank Then the seven day medicine was done changed the water well water on filter PH 7.0 . Tank water always at 7.0. Fishy still not floating. But moving eating swimming till tired. So we purchased melafix and more Tetracycline. And did another treament. Then I had her in shallow water for three hours and put fresh water in then she was alright for five days. Floating swimming not on bottom. Then started sitting on bottom again so I started another tetracycline dose with coppersafe and she layed eggs.This treatment I have kept the tank covered temp at 74 she still eats and swims no white spots ,two small grey colored spots on scales by stomach poop same color as food sinking food. Grey spots went away after egg laying .I do not have ammonia test but it is just one fish no plants rocks no dye. I have hope for fishy please any sugestions?

Heather, I have had one fish in a 10g medicating with tetracycline. The ammonia rose to 1 in 12 hours. Tetracyline is notorious for killing all the bugs (even the good ones) and I hate to think what the ammonia would have been after 7 days treatment.

So far you have done 3 x 7 day treatment of tetracycline, I don't think you should do anymore. Her condition may have had something to do with her eggs but according to your post the only time she came good was after you did a major water change.

I suggest you stop medicating for a while and change about one third of her water everyday. Keep doing this as long as it takes but I think she'll come good again.

Thanks for your sugestion She is swimming around with some floating but still sits on the bottom and I noticed a little fus on head I wiped it off with a Qtip. Is it OK to touch the fish?? When she swims she darts then will nibbles around normal then will dart and get tired breathing heavy but not as heavy then when the meds were in. I wil continue to change water daily. I really want to have goldies they are my favorite.

She is probably weak and recovering from whatever ailed her. Given time and plenty of fresh water she should get her strength back. As long as she keeps eating then the signs are good.

Goldfish are my favourite too. At the lfs they asked if I had any tropicals, I said no, they really didn't inspire me. They sort of looked at me strange as if they had never met a serious fishkeeper who actually preferred goldfish.

Goldfish come in all shapes, sizes and colours, they have so much character and personality I'm addicted to them now.

Yes, it is Ok to touch your fish. It does cause the fish some stress so keep handling to a minimum while she is sick. Also just use common sense and wash hands well with plain water (no soap).

She is moving alot more and still eating I did not see any fuss today. Do they usually sit on the bottom for two to three minutes then swim normal for five to ten minutes then sit on bottom again? shes not breathing heavy Just was wondering if they sit on bottom ever when healthy??

My fish don't usually do that, but remember your fish is weak from illness, she needs her rest.