Hello All,
I have on hell of a serious problem. I just recently purchased a calico fantail and a red fantail goldfish from Petco earlier today. I was told by a fellow employee that a one gallon tank would be suitable for these two goldfish.
We got home and I set up the tank: filters, gravel, fake plants, water purifier. I filled the tank halfway with tap water and then let the bag that the fish were in sit in the water for ten minutes. After those ten minutes, I emptied the fish and the water into the tank. Since then, I have noticed that both of my fantails are moping around the bottom of the tank. Neither one has moved much.
I kind of figured that it was shock. Then I saw a large rip on the calico fantail's tail. Now, I have no idea what to do. After searching online and reading up on the fantails, I am now realizing that they need a much larger tank. Unfortunately, I don't really have the money to buy a huge tank. What do I do about the tank and my goldfish???? HELP!!!

Sincerely,
Shawna

Hello Shawna....

Sadly your story happens all of the time....most employees at chain store no NOTHING when it comes to goldfish.

Goldfish need 10 gallons of water per fish to thrive....anythng less is asking for trouble.

If you can I would return one of the fish. You also can get a 10 gallon set-up, complete with filter from many store for under $30.00. In the meantime, do daily water changes (with a good water conditon)

I would recommend reading the following articles:

http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/care.html

http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/cycle.html

Good luck and keep us posted

Hi Shawna and Welcome to Koko's!

You are right: your fish are going to need a bigger home as soon as possible.

There is truly no way around it. Fish can live long lives when kept in proper conditions:

- 10 gallons of water per fish
- excellent water quality which means
proper filtration
ammonia reading of 0
nitrIte reading of 0
nitrAte reading of < 20


Did the folks at the store talk to you a bit on how important your water quality is? Are you familiar with the "cycle" of the tank? Here's a good link:

http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/cycle.html

Did you happen to come home with any type of water test kits (strip or drop)?


I'm sorry to break the bad news to you. You are going to have to get a bigger home for these guys. If you truly cannot afford a bigger tank, maybe you can take the fish back to the store....or maybe someone here can take them off your hands??


edit: FGFG beat me to it! What he says!!

I know what it is like not to have the money for a bigger tank. A ten gallon can be found pretty easily on craigslist.Or maybe you need to get a big rummbermaid (I did that today). I agree in returing one fish, if you can. If you dont want to, between you and me~two goldfish can live for a while in a ten gallon if you change the water often and have a good filtration system.~ While you save up for a bit bigger tank, right? But if anyone asks, it wasn't me whole told you...

one gallon, though, will simply not do.

maybe sick one in the toilet while you wait? no--im joking of course. don't do that. i just always thought a toilet bowl would be a funny place of a goldfish.

What everyone else says.

Did you use a water conditioner when you added the fish. If you didn't that could be part of the immediate problem. The chlorine in the water is deadly to the fish so you need a conditioner that removes both chlorine and the chloramines that are produced by breaking down chlorine. Something that gets rid of ammonia to wouldn't hurt. I use Jungle ACE (ammonia, chlorine/chloramine eliminator). It takes care of all three. Prime is also a really good, its just a bit on the pricy side but a bottle of Prime will last a lot longer than the ACE because its more concentrated.

Hey, I just made a similar mistake buying two goldfish for a 2.5 gallon tank. I was quite upset about this b/c it was not a chain store- it was a brand new specialty fish store in the area and I specifically asked the owner for advice. One fish died within a few weeks- the other fish, Dorothy, was lethargic until I started doing daily water changes a couple weeks ago. She now appears healthy and energetic.

The problem is, I meanwhile am doing 20-25% daily water changes just to keep nitrates at about 20ppm.

Question: Are the daily water changes themselves stressful for fish? Also, due to the small size of my tank, I am adding more prime than the directions call for (one drop isn't quite a dose, two is almost a double dose). Can to much prime be harmful?

Hello All,
Thank you so much for your advice! Especially the one letting me know how much a ten gallon tank would be for my beauties. I was originally buying these two fish for my 3 year old son to look at and explore...he's already in love with fish books, so I thought to get him some beginner fish. However, I hate to let any animal suffer at all, which is why I'm willing to go to some extremes to make sure that these beautiful fish are comfortable.
Until I can afford a newer and bigger tank, I am going to start large water changes every day...perhaps more often a day if needed. Again to all of you, thank you for your advice, and btw, I love this site!

Sincerely,
Shawna

We're glad that you're enjoying the site Shawna-we think it quite special.
Erk's question was "Question: Are the daily water changes themselves stressful for fish? Also, due to the small size of my tank, I am adding more prime than the directions call for (one drop isn't quite a dose, two is almost a double dose). Can to much prime be harmful?"
Adouble dose can be used safely enough.Just don't think that will take care of not doing regular changes.Some people actually think that.
They may seem a little frightened at first,but you'll be surprised at just how fast they'll get use to getting nice clean fish tanks . Just make sure to do it on a regular basis/gravel vac/Used treated and matched temp water that they're allready in,and things should go just fine.

Wow- quick response! Thanks so much for the answer Devs- based on what you wrote I think I am now doing everything right to keep my goldfish healthy until I get a bigger tank set-up.

The more I read Shawna's post the more similarities I find- my fish were bought for my two and a half year old who is also really into fish! I wonder how many people out there have a similar story? It sounds like a lot!

Eric

Hi Shawna! I started coming to Koko's for the same reason! My fish started off in a 2.5g but with 2 frogs and a Betta in there, too! I have worked very hard to give him the upgrades he needs to thrive and it has not always been easy... returning the fish might be an option if this is not a hobby that is a convenient time to udertake...



I felt the same way! And now I am a GF Nut! It can happen to you! So, if you are dedicated to it, keep them and maybe return the tank and equipment for and upgrade - there are some ways to get more bang for the buck! Or other larger temporary vessels, ad mentioned, and even buying used equipement form the pennysaver, local paper, craigslist (I love that one).

I hope you and erk39 will do well and have a great time with your new friends!
My fish has survived a whole year and a half because of Koko's! I jsut wanted to send some encouragement!

Hey All,
I just wanted to update everyone on what's going on so far, and perhaps to ask if someone knows about the behavior of my two fish.
I went downstairs this morning to heck on them before everyone was up and spotted the two chasing each other around the tank. Granted, it's a one gallon tank, so they can't do much chasing. As soon as I came to the tank and popped open the lid to feed them, they zoomed straight down to the bottom of the tank and stayed there. I even flicked on their light for them and tested the temperature of the water with my finger. Nothing seemed to work, but they did eat the food that I provided. So, I thought maybe they just needed to be left alone, and I haven't checked on them since.
I'm debating what I should do. There are so many suggestions! I think I'll go onto craigslist and see what they have as far as fish tanks. In the meantime, I think I'll change about a quarter to half of their water today to make sure they're safe.
I've also heard about "testing" the water. I don't understand what that does, or how it benefits the fish, although I do know that testing the water will give me some insight on how to properly care for my fantails. Perhaps an easy definition would help?
Once again, thank you all for your patience and your suggestions...I've found them very helpful and calming.

Sincerely,
Shawna

Aren't they so relaxing and pleasing!

There are different kind of tests -like test strips and liquid tests. Both kinds are available indivisually and in test kits. THis is an example of a multi-test strip kind:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F5...2/Itemdy00.aspx
(*this one does not include ammonia test)
http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/Itemdy00.aspx

And this is an example of a liquid multi-test kit:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F5...9/Itemdy00.aspx
(*includes ammonia test)

I put examples of the test kits becuase these are the water quality parameters most frequently tested - so it is often easier and more economical to but them altogether. Test strips are a little less accurate than liquid test kits - and depending on the type of water conditioner you use, you may require a liqiud test.
I like to keep both kinds on hand!

I see you read the cycling page - when you look at the graph on top showing how different chemicals surge and decrease as your water "cycles" - becomes established as an eco-enviroment - you can track the progress by using the test kits - as some of the phases contain chemicals toxic to fish!!! Like, ammonia. THeyre will be a big ammonia spike that can kill fish if not monitored - aka New Tank Syndrome - and NitrItes will also spike and harm the fish. So, it is important to know when to change the water to help protect the fish.

The filter you have is trying to establisha bacterial colony of "good bacteria" that will breakdown the toxins in the tank - ammonia and nitrIte - and convert them to breakdown products that are less harmful to fish - NitrAte. You knwo when your tank is established when you finally see a nitrAte reading insicating that the good bacteria are flourishing in sufficient quantity to keep the water healthy.

A LOT more can be said about water testing - and you can look in the water chemistry forum to find more - but hopefully this helped a little!

BTW - I find this little test very handy when cycling:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/se...1/Itemdy00.aspx
It hangs in the tank and can be glanced at quickly to give the ammonia level (it is not perfect but it is a helpful tool).

PS - the fish may be a little scared - they are sensitive to sudden changes and such - like light - and they have had a stressful move! They may still be sdjusting. And they may be sensitive to the uncycled water... that is where the test kits come into play! (Sorry about my typing - I can spell, I can't type)!

Now I am freaking out! I have three goldfish (Lionhead, Moore and calico fancy-tail type) in a ten gallon tank. I have had them 6 months, they look very healthy. I vacuum and do a 25% water change every week, and have a filter and an air-stone.) And to think I was doing such a good job. Now, I will have to tell hubby, we need a bigger tank. Yikes.

Just remember that if you cant afford a whole 10gal tank right now, you can always just go out and buy (or maybe you already have) a 20g plastic tub. It works just like a tank except you cant see through the sides. Then you can save up for a 20g tank even without worrying about the health of your fishies