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my goldfish has been laying on its side (dead-) like ...


Sent to Pet Experts October 16, 2006 4:33 p.m.

my goldfish has been laying on its side (dead-) like for 3 days it eats then lays back down. whats wrong?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
October 16, 2006 5:58 p.m. (1 hour and 24 minutes later)
REPLIED Check Mark

This is most probably a case of poor water quality. I suggest you check the fish's water with a standard test kit. Check for the presence of ammonia and nitrite, if they are present then this is what's causing the problem. Water changes would be needed until both ammonia and nitrite go down to -0-ppm. The tank/bowl water can be tested at most pet shops for free. Good luck.
PictureTROPICAL FISH AFICIONADO  -- YOUR TROPICAL FISH RESOURCE -- 99% Positive Feedback on 503 Pet Accepts
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Reply to TROPICAL FISH AFICIANADO
Sent October 17, 2006 10:27 p.m. (1 day and 4 hours later)

i changed his water. i got a one gallon tank for him do you maybe i need a bigger tank. his tail has white specks on it (dont know if was there before)
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 17, 2006 10:47 p.m. (19 minutes and 36 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hi again. Good--you changed the water. As for the white specks on his tail he could have a condition known as Ick. Ick are small little parasites that latch onto a fish causing a fish to look as if it had salt spread on it. So I recommend using a medicine to treat the Ick.
You can buy Rid-Ich+, Ick-Attack or just about any Ick medicine that's available in your local pet shop. Just follow the directions on the product label. With regards to tank size--yes it would be better for him to have at least a 5 gallon tank if not a 10 but I really understand that sometimes money becomes an issue with fish products and sometimes we just don't have the finances at the moment to buy what's ideal. So for now, change his water ideally every other day.
If not at least every 3rd or fourth day. Remember this goldfish's excretion stays in the tank until you change the water. If the water's not changed regularly the excretion builds up thereby polluting the water. So to sum things up, 1)treat with Ick medication, 2) change the water frequently and remember to use a dechlorinator (something that takes the chlorine and chloramine out of the water) and 3) look into a bigger tank.
Hope everything works out well quickly and let me know if you need further clarification on what I've written above. Also feel free to contact me with further questions. Thank you for submitting your question.
PictureTROPICAL FISH AFICIONADO  -- YOUR TROPICAL FISH RESOURCE -- 99% Positive Feedback on 503 Pet Accepts
OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE W/TROPICAL FISH

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