Why are my new goldfish gulping at the top and tank water is green?

Check the temperature and make sure the water is not too hot (heater defective?), check the pH and also the hardness and make sure they are within the parameters needed for your fish. Change 1/3 of the tank's water. Check the filter and make sure it is not plugged up with a lot of food and poop. Rinse the filter in warm water (same temperature as the water in the tank) so you do not kill off the good bacteria which keep the water clean. Check Nitrite(toxic) and nitrate (not toxic) levels. All this should help you ensure the perfect environment for your fish. If you do not have way to oxygenate the water you may want to extend the return pipe of your filter to the surface or above the surface of the water in order to make it integrate oxygen from the air.

Thanks for reaching out about Kirky and including a photo, although the photo is out of focus. Swimming to the surface and gulping air is typically and indication of gill disease. Gill disease can be caused by poor water quality, bacterial infections, gill parasites, and metabolic disorders. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct problems. Make sure to treat tap water for several hours prior to adding to the tank. If water quality is correct, a veterinary visit for assistance in a diagnostic/treatment plan. A gill clip can be examined under the microscope to determine parasitic or other gill disease. Antibiotics added to the water typically cause more problems than benefit, altering biological filtration. Good luck.

Usually lack of water quality, lack of oxygen, overcrowding and abnormal temperature are all common causes of this behaviour. They could be hungry as well, but usually they come to the surface at certain time or in response to visual stimuli like your presence. 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.

Hi there, when you change a tank over you should take some water from the previous tank then make it up with freshwater. You should let this stabilise for one week before adding the fish. If you put a fish straight into a new tank without letting the water acclimitise it can be a shock to it's system. At this point all you can really do is let the fish settle in and don't disturb its tank for a week or so.

Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for that. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. Lack of oxygenation could be the cause of it. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, Bubbles should examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Remove them or provide more cover (plants and hides) for the other fish to hide or escape. When fish hang near the top, it is usually due to low oxygen levels, low water temperature or improper water chemistry. It could be related to the different filter or the water change. Confirm proper water temp and use a test kit to check water chemistry. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm (parts per million) and nitrates should be 40 ppm or less. Monitor chemistry closely until you know how the new filter operates. Make sure it is rated for the size tank you have to ensure adequate filtration. Correct imbalances using chemical treatment and additional partial water changes using aged/conditioned water.

Check the water quality and temperature. Warm water will not hold as much oxygen as cool water and goldfish are cold water fish. Ideal water temp is about 21 C. Use a home water test kit to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites should read 0ppm (parts per million) and nitrates can be 40ppm or less. If you don't have a test kit, most pet stores or aquarists will test a sample for free or for a nominal fee. Ensure adequate filtration and oxygenation. Use a filter that will comfortably handle twice the volume of your tank. An airstone will increase oxygenation. A tank hood or cover is recommended to prevent fish from jumping out.