I got my first tank (5 gallons) 2 weeks ago. I got 2 almost fin-less goldfish (by fin-less I mean that their fins are almost non existent and their tails are badly damaged, my fan tail still has a small tail but the other one has a stump for a tail, I can often see it doing back flip in the tank just to get right side up). Long story short, they are ''rescues'' from an owner who forgot to care for them (Alzheimer) an I was asked if I wanted them.
I know very little about aquariums, but I did my research and though I was ready for them. I didn't knew at the time they were fin-less. Apparently they were so hungry, they attacked each other an ate their fins. After some research I found out it might be fin rot, but there is no white edges on their fins so I really dont know. The smallest of the two appears to be blind in one eye. He doesnt detect food sinking if its on his bad side, but he rushes to the food when its on his good side.
I know a 5 gallon is small for 2 goldfish, I'm planning on a upgrade very soon.
I change water an clean the gravel once a week but I might consider doing it twice a week from now on since my amonia level is a bit high. The pH level was fine though. I did not test nitrite yet. The fish arent gasping for air, so I'm assuming the water is okay for now.
I added a decor recently, but I washed it carefully before adding it and brushed it with a clean toothbrush I use only for the tank.
Due to this situation I have few questions...
1: When it comes to food, I read you should give what the fish can eat within X seconds (I say X because every website gives different information and I dont know witch one to believe), but what about my fishes? Its a bit unfair if I remove the food before they even notice it or had the time to get to it. I used both, floating and sinking food. I try not to use floating food since I know they can swallow air that will make them float, but one of them is blind and I'm afraid he wont find the food between the rocks before the other one finds it.
2: One of my goldfish is floating, I know it means the organ that help him float is affected or that he swallowed air, but in both case I dont know what to do... I tried giving them peas because he might be constipated as well, but I'm not sure he ate any, because he cant see it very well, because I'm suspecting that he might be blind in one eye... What should I do?
3: If you have any advice for me other than the question I asked... I would really appreciate it... My situation is a bit uncommon and I cant find answers easily on how to care for almost fin-less and tail-less fishes.
I say fin-less but they do have some fins more or less intact. The most handicapped one has no pectoral fins at all and a stump for a caudal fin. He does have functional pelvic and somewhat of a dorsal fin and a anal fin, but thats it.
Thank you for your time...
I know very little about aquariums, but I did my research and though I was ready for them. I didn't knew at the time they were fin-less. Apparently they were so hungry, they attacked each other an ate their fins. After some research I found out it might be fin rot, but there is no white edges on their fins so I really dont know. The smallest of the two appears to be blind in one eye. He doesnt detect food sinking if its on his bad side, but he rushes to the food when its on his good side.
I know a 5 gallon is small for 2 goldfish, I'm planning on a upgrade very soon.
I change water an clean the gravel once a week but I might consider doing it twice a week from now on since my amonia level is a bit high. The pH level was fine though. I did not test nitrite yet. The fish arent gasping for air, so I'm assuming the water is okay for now.
I added a decor recently, but I washed it carefully before adding it and brushed it with a clean toothbrush I use only for the tank.
Due to this situation I have few questions...
1: When it comes to food, I read you should give what the fish can eat within X seconds (I say X because every website gives different information and I dont know witch one to believe), but what about my fishes? Its a bit unfair if I remove the food before they even notice it or had the time to get to it. I used both, floating and sinking food. I try not to use floating food since I know they can swallow air that will make them float, but one of them is blind and I'm afraid he wont find the food between the rocks before the other one finds it.
2: One of my goldfish is floating, I know it means the organ that help him float is affected or that he swallowed air, but in both case I dont know what to do... I tried giving them peas because he might be constipated as well, but I'm not sure he ate any, because he cant see it very well, because I'm suspecting that he might be blind in one eye... What should I do?
3: If you have any advice for me other than the question I asked... I would really appreciate it... My situation is a bit uncommon and I cant find answers easily on how to care for almost fin-less and tail-less fishes.
I say fin-less but they do have some fins more or less intact. The most handicapped one has no pectoral fins at all and a stump for a caudal fin. He does have functional pelvic and somewhat of a dorsal fin and a anal fin, but thats it.
Thank you for your time...
