Hi, I am new to this forum and would be grateful for any help..
I inherited three goldfish and all was going well until last week after I did a routine water change. After the water change (and pump clean), the common goldfish (aka Little Fish) sat at the bottom of the tank. He/she (I am not sure on gender) wouldn't move unless for feeding. I was immediately concerned and tested the water - all seemed to be well. The next day, he was still lethargic but would swim to the top of the tank, take some air and then blow bubbles on his way back down . I read that this might be caused by swim bladder problems and feeding peas may help. After three days of a diet of peas, he seemed better (swimming around the tank). However, each day I was also carrying out water checks - and found the ammonia was high (0.5). So I was also doing a daily 25% water change and gravel clean. Little Fish was back to normal last night, but the ammonia was again high. I thought that the ammonia spikes might be down to the pump (it is old) so I changed the pump today. Little Fish seemed fine earlier, but he is now sat at the bottom of the tank with his head pointed up.
His gills appear ok and there doesn't appear to be any change in his appearance. The other two goldfish have been fine.
I have run out of ideas as to what could be wrong.
I inherited three goldfish and all was going well until last week after I did a routine water change. After the water change (and pump clean), the common goldfish (aka Little Fish) sat at the bottom of the tank. He/she (I am not sure on gender) wouldn't move unless for feeding. I was immediately concerned and tested the water - all seemed to be well. The next day, he was still lethargic but would swim to the top of the tank, take some air and then blow bubbles on his way back down . I read that this might be caused by swim bladder problems and feeding peas may help. After three days of a diet of peas, he seemed better (swimming around the tank). However, each day I was also carrying out water checks - and found the ammonia was high (0.5). So I was also doing a daily 25% water change and gravel clean. Little Fish was back to normal last night, but the ammonia was again high. I thought that the ammonia spikes might be down to the pump (it is old) so I changed the pump today. Little Fish seemed fine earlier, but he is now sat at the bottom of the tank with his head pointed up.
His gills appear ok and there doesn't appear to be any change in his appearance. The other two goldfish have been fine.
I have run out of ideas as to what could be wrong.