My fish died--is his partner in danger?

R

random_zooey

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Jan 27, 2005
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I had two goldfish--one common, one fancy (a Black Moor). Their living conditions weren't the best (10g. tank, only the two of them), but I was doing the best I could with what I had (proper diet, regular water changes, etc.). Up until now, neither had previously demonstrated any sickness, stress, aggressive behaviour, low appetite, lethargy, or anything like that.

Last night I noticed that my Black Moor had a problem that kind of sounds like Ick or some kind of fungus: some tiny white dots on the edge of his fins and a larger white patch on one of his gills, and he was also a little lethargic. I planned on searching the internet for his illness and the appropriate medication today, but it's too late: he's dead. When I found him, his black colour had faded somewhat to reveal his gold undertones, and the white spots had spread to become, I guess, kind of like a white film lining the bottom of all of his fins. (Maybe I should also mention that a few months ago I found some white fuzziness on the outside part of the filter as well as on the inside of the lid, which I cleaned off and which hasn't returned.)

Is my remaining goldfish in danger? If so, what should I do? Other than his home, I only have a 1g. travel tank.
 
Well even though I heard vancouver boos the US national anthem at all hockey games, I guess I'll help.

1) Yes the other fish is in trouble.
2)I don't know a lot about goldfish, but I'd change the water and add salt.
3) You could call and yell at your fish store.(but don't buy whatever medicine they try to sell you)
 
i think the other fish is also in danger..

personally i think 10g is too small for goldfish.. this may cause some stress to the fish and can affect its immune system making it more susceptible to diseases

good luck :o
 
Sounds like a host of problems brought on by a depressed immune system. don't worry about "fungus" gowing on filter and such. Pathogenic fungi and bacteria will only grow on the fish, and non-pathogenic kinds (like the kind that form on uneaten food) will not.

since it is a goldie, heat is out of the question, but the salt is a good suggestion. The only other advise I can give is water changes water changes and more water changes (make sure you replace the salt you're taking out). Gravel vacuming will remove the "cyst" form of the ich (little white dots) that is in the gravel before it hatches, goes free swimming, and reinfects the fish.

How often and how much were you changing before? I recomend 50% weekly for optimal water quality.
 
KHOMBRE: Oh, I agree with you, 10g is way too small for goldfish! I was a very foolish newbie, but I'm trying my hardest now to fix my mistakes (saving for a bigger tank, looking for people to adopt, dedicated attempts at good husbandry, etc.). Anyway, thank you for your support.

MOOMAN: I was doing 30-40% weekly water changes (with gravel vac.). Do you really think 50% changes is the way to go? Other people have told me such a dramatic change would shock the fish. Also, the more I talk to people and read descriptions of Ick, the less I think that's what it was. Should I still use the aquarium salt? Thank you so much for your help!
 
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