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Goldfish at the top of the tank

2K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  anemone 
#1 ·
ok, my friend gave me a tank with 2 goldfish and one catfish in it and the goldfish keep sort of floating in the top right hand corner of the tank...they move around once in a while but usually just kinda hang there....I tested the ph and ammonia, both were normal, I also tested for nitrite and it read 0.25. is that enough to cause them to act like that? they used to swim around all the time...I moved the tank from Denver about a week ago...any ideas?
 
#2 ·
Sounds like its possible that your tank has not properly cycled, did you use the original water when your friend gave you the tank!
Do you have an airstone or pump for water agitation!
What size is your tank!

Fish stays near the surface gasping for breath, indicating that it has trouble getting enough oxygen (the concentration of dissolved oxygen is highest near the water's surface). Possible causes include low oxygen concentration due to poor water circulation, toxins that have damaged its gills, high ammonia or nitrite levels

Hope this helps
 
#3 ·
Hi! I think the tank 20 gallon...it had a nice bio wheel set up but it recently died...oops...lol I have one tube supplying air to the tank right now...the nitrite is at 0.25 is that too much? they are not really gasping...they are kind of just hanging in the water...barely moving their gills...when they're not doing that they act healthy and happy...I brought them out here with half of their original water and filled the rest when i got here...
 
#4 ·
Your Nitrites should be zero

During the startup of a new tank, Nitrite levels will soar and can stress or kill fish. However, even after an aquarium is initially "cycled", it is not unusual to go through mini-cycles from time to time. For that reason, include nitrite testing as part of your monthly testing routine. Any elevation of Nitrite levels is a red flag that indicates a problem brewing in the tank. If a fish is ill, or dies, it's wise to test for Nitrite to ensure it is not contributing to the problem. The only way to reduce elevated Nitrite levels quickly is via water changes

Remember not to over feed the fish
 
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