Full Version: What's Wrong With My Water?
Have one goldfish in a 10 gal tank whom has been in it for 2 weeks now. I have however noticed recently that his fin has been down, and he's darting around the tank madly or hiding. There is a layer of something at the top of the water...I'm not sure what but firstly I thought I had over done it with the water conditioner...that's what it looks like. Now I'm beginning to believe it's coming from the water (an undergravel one...if so, what is it and is it harming the fish?) No matter how often I change the water it still occurs. I know my tank is still cycling and this is still stressing the poor fishy out (ammonia is 0 however nitrite never seems to go down from 2). Am I right to keep doing these water changes? Cuz right now I feel I'm doing my poor lil fishy more harm than good - help!:(
Its good that you are doing the water changes, keep going with those, maybe try a bigger one if you cant get that nitrite to budge.
The film over the water surface is probably a protein layer, which is harmless.. although i've not heard of it in a goldfish tank before. Bettas usually get it.
The darting and fin clamping could be some sort of parasite. It'd be a good idea to make a post in the Disease Diagnosis board, and answer all the questions in the box at the top.
Although it might just be due to the nitrites.
The film over the water surface is probably a protein layer, which is harmless.. although i've not heard of it in a goldfish tank before. Bettas usually get it.
The darting and fin clamping could be some sort of parasite. It'd be a good idea to make a post in the Disease Diagnosis board, and answer all the questions in the box at the top.
Although it might just be due to the nitrites.
I think you're right Lucy - it may well be due to high nitrites. And yes to bigger and more waterchanges. Nitrites at even 0.50 is bad and breathing would be difficult if the levels are at 2.
Unfortunately at this stage of cycling, it's often necessary to do 2 massive changes daily and while there's nitrites in your tank you could also add 1 teaspoon of sea, rock or aquarium salt per gallon as it helps protect the gills during this phase
PS. As he is a new fish, it could be parasites but try to get your water in better condition and see if this improves his condition otherwise you may need to look at treating with a parasite med
Unfortunately at this stage of cycling, it's often necessary to do 2 massive changes daily and while there's nitrites in your tank you could also add 1 teaspoon of sea, rock or aquarium salt per gallon as it helps protect the gills during this phase
PS. As he is a new fish, it could be parasites but try to get your water in better condition and see if this improves his condition otherwise you may need to look at treating with a parasite med
Do you have friction on the surface -bubbles breaking the surface, for example from an airwand? That helps too .
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