Hi everyone,
For christmas I bought my daughter 2 goldfish, 1 fantail and 1 which I think is an oranda. I was advised by the pet shop that a 14L tank was big enough for them and even a 3rd if I wanted. I was told all I needed to do was set up the tank with some tap water conditioner and biological supplement and float the fish in the water before releasing them. So that is what I done, I was told nothing about cycling.
3 days later the fantail was floating on its side at the top of the tank, but was still alive. I called the pet shop and after their advice I done a 50% water change, added a tsp of pure salt and tried feeding her some peas. Almost immediately, little Ariel was swimming normally, but she was still at the top of the tank. She tried to swim down but but would always float back up.
8 days later to today and Ariel seemed fine this morning. A few hours later, my 5 year old runs to me upset to tell me Ariel was dead. I went and looked and sure enough, she was. I also noticed red streaks at the base of her tail and fins.
After some research, I now know that 14L is way too small for 1 goldfish, never mind 2! So we will now be looking for a new home for Aston. My questions are:
How big should Aston's tank be?
How long will he be ok for in the little tank till I can get a new one? He's currently about 2" long.
I have a Marina i25 filter, is that ok?
How often should I change the water for himwhile he is in the little tank? The pet shop told me every 3-4 weeks, but clearly I won't be listening to their advice!
Will he be OK on his own or will he get lonely?
What fish can I put in the little tank once Aston has his new home?
Please help with any advice you can, I don't want to see that devestated look on my daughter's face again :-(
I've attached a picture of Aston incase he isn't an oranda
For christmas I bought my daughter 2 goldfish, 1 fantail and 1 which I think is an oranda. I was advised by the pet shop that a 14L tank was big enough for them and even a 3rd if I wanted. I was told all I needed to do was set up the tank with some tap water conditioner and biological supplement and float the fish in the water before releasing them. So that is what I done, I was told nothing about cycling.
3 days later the fantail was floating on its side at the top of the tank, but was still alive. I called the pet shop and after their advice I done a 50% water change, added a tsp of pure salt and tried feeding her some peas. Almost immediately, little Ariel was swimming normally, but she was still at the top of the tank. She tried to swim down but but would always float back up.
8 days later to today and Ariel seemed fine this morning. A few hours later, my 5 year old runs to me upset to tell me Ariel was dead. I went and looked and sure enough, she was. I also noticed red streaks at the base of her tail and fins.
After some research, I now know that 14L is way too small for 1 goldfish, never mind 2! So we will now be looking for a new home for Aston. My questions are:
How big should Aston's tank be?
How long will he be ok for in the little tank till I can get a new one? He's currently about 2" long.
I have a Marina i25 filter, is that ok?
How often should I change the water for himwhile he is in the little tank? The pet shop told me every 3-4 weeks, but clearly I won't be listening to their advice!
Will he be OK on his own or will he get lonely?
What fish can I put in the little tank once Aston has his new home?
Please help with any advice you can, I don't want to see that devestated look on my daughter's face again :-(
I've attached a picture of Aston incase he isn't an oranda