Goldfish Help

[GodOfFood]

I just got two goldfish from my neighbors who had a horrible tank. There was a third fish that I believe died from ammonia poisoning. They look like they are missing a couple scales and their gills look a bit off. Does anyone know what they might have and how to help them? I have them in a small container where I could pick them up and get photos (they didnt mind to much, high energy fish but they like people) they will only be in the container until i get their tank to my house across the street. The orange one is named Hide and the silver one is named Kaneki.

 

[JxsPxxle]

They will likely be ammonia burns, keep water quality top notch and try to eliminate all ammonia from the water. Do not over feed and do regular water changes. Make sure you cycle your tank.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Clean water and some plants would help them immensely.
How big is the tank?
Whilst they're out of it, rinse the gravel in tank water, so as not to kill the beneficial bacteria. I suggest you put it in a bucket and, once you've removed 75-80% of the water, put the gravel back in and top up with treated water, (use a water conditioner).

It's likely that those fish are passive because they're unwell...NOT because they 'like people'.

 

[Circus]

Do you know what size tank it is? These look like comet goldfish, which really do belong in a pond. They continuously grow throughout their lives, and usually reach 12+ inches. You can keep them in large tanks, but they are poop machines. You can always think about revoking them if they outgrow the current tank.

I would suggest a heaped tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 10 gallons of water, as well as big water changes frequently. You will want to test the water frequently to make sure the tank is cycled and there is no ammonia buildup.

 

[GodOfFood]

Clean water and some plants would help them immensely.
How big is the tank?
Whilst they're out of it, rinse the gravel in tank water, so as not to kill the beneficial bacteria. I suggest you put it in a bucket and, once you've removed 75-80% of the water, put the gravel back in and top up with treated water, (use a water conditioner).

It's likely that those fish are passive because they're unwell...NOT because they 'like people'.

Im getting some plants later today along woth a new filter, are there any plants you would recommend? I dont know exactly how many gallons it is but probably somewhere around 3-5 gallons (i want to get them a bigger tank when i can afford it, i know its too small) I did clean the whole tank yesterday and only kept a small amount of the older water and rinsed the gravel.

 

[Circus]

If they are comet goldfish, they would need a 90 gallon or larger, if they are fancy goldfish you could probably get away with a 29(at a minimum). 5 gallons is completely unsuitable for goldfish of any kind.

As far as plants go, quick growing plants would be of a more immediate help. Duck weed, water sprite, hornwort are all good options that do well in the cool water that goldfish need.

 

[GodOfFood]

If they are comet goldfish, they would need a 90 gallon or larger, if they are fancy goldfish you could probably get away with a 29(at a minimum). 5 gallons is completely unsuitable for goldfish of any kind.

As far as plants go, quick growing plants would be of a more immediate help. Duck weed, water sprite, hornwort are all good options that do well in the cool water that goldfish need.

I know a bigger tank is better. Im wondering if they can still get bigger. I just learned these fish are probably around 5 years old, i hear that being in such a small tank for so long might stunt their growth?

 

[Guest14017]

Yup they are stunted unhealthy looking fish. Unfortunately regular goldfish can be incredibly hardy and survive years in deplorable conditions... But then they look and behave like this.

They do not need a large tank at this point. They are stunted beyond recovery. They will not grow much even if given plenty of space etc. Get what you can afford when you can afford it.

The key is to keep their water clean and give them something to enrich them such as a few plants and a thin layer of sand to forage in. Sometimes fish don't adjust so look out for any illnesses and report back ASAP. I would get them a nutritionally rich food and feed them lightly. They are probably used to cheap fish flakes so definitely introduce any new foods slowly.

 

[Circus]

From their size, I would have thought less than a year old. Wow. Yeah, you could probably be fine with them in a 20 gallon if they won't get any bigger. Poor little guys...

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

I know a bigger tank is better. Im wondering if they can still get bigger. I just learned these fish are probably around 5 years old, i hear that being in such a small tank for so long might stunt their growth?

What people don't realise is that whilst the fish appear to grow to the size of the tank, their internal organs dont...they continue to grow and the fish dies far sooner than it would normally.