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My fish is acting sick. He is not really eating and he keeps going to the surface to breathe . He is also getting these little what looks like panic attacks and swims very fast and even hits his head constantly on the edges of his tank. I started to
Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence ( 0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes, no more than 30% at a time, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Check water temp as well. Any of these can drive a fish to the surface. The "flashing" (darting about) can be due to infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites). Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or an "all in one" product to treat multiple infections. Look in the Aquarium section of the local Petco for options. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
hi! I have gold fish in a tank and after doing a 20% water change my fish seems to be in shock just sitting at the bottom of the tank... could it be the PH level change? please help me!
It may be the pH change or other change in water chemistry. Use a home test kit to check water quality. Make adjustments as indicated. It may also be a response to a temperature change. Check water temperature and increase the heat if necessary, just don't forget to turn it down or off once the temp is within range.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have basic aquarium at home, since 2 days all are not active and seen abnormal, shark, gold, koi are all having bleeding on their body without any reason i know. Suddenly at one time continuously fishes getting die, even I changed water at overnigh
I'm sorry you are having difficulties with your aquarium. There are several issues that should be dealt with right now. They are water chemistry, aquarium size and choice/number of fish. Any new aquarium should be set up and, ideally, run empty for several weeks (usually 4-6 weeks). This is so beneficial bacteria have an opportunity to populate the substrate and filter. These bacteria are necessary to break down wastes that fish will produce. The technical phrase for this is "establishing the Nitrogen cycle". These bacteria will break down wastes into ammonia then nitrites then nitrates. Nitrates can then dissipate or be absorbed/used by live plants. In high enough concentrations, ammonia and nitrites are toxic and can kill fish. Cycling a tank with fish is possible but it increases the risk of loss. Water chemistry should be checked every few days using a liquid home test kit. A water sample can be submitted for testing , but is not as convenient as testing yourself. Most pet sto
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi i have a Small fish Tank 1.6 gallon i originally got it for 2 fish a small gold fish and a terra a neighbor gave us 2 more gold fish the water of the tank went real cloudy and has an odor as this is the first time we have fish I'm probably doing s
These signs are quite concerning and should be approached radically. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
We change the water in the tank and fed the fish the fish ate and now it is floating upside down but still breathing what is wrong?
ECheck the water chemistry. The recent water change may have upset it. Use a liquid home test kit or submit a sample for testing to confirm 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a 40ppm or less nitrate level. Confirm proper temperature for the species of fish as well. If necessary, another partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for conditioners include AmQuel Plus, NovAqua and StressCoat. Other options include StressZyme and Prime. To manage swim bladder issues, withhold food for 2-3 days then feed bits of cooked and shelled green peas. Do this until the fish is swimming and defecating normally. Fast one day a week to maintain regularity.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
