MurfQ
Aquarium Advice Regular
Hey Everyone,
I have an issue with one of my goldfish that I hope someone can give me some insight on. For some time now, Hobbes (a fantail) has been hanging around the bottom and/or hiding out in a plant a lot and exhibiting very little activity. However, he still goes full steam at feeding time, so his appetite is definitely not affected. Recently, I've noticed some red veining in his tail. And even more recently, I noticed that his beautiful long flowing tail now seems to be shredded.
Of course, my first thought when I started to notice his change in behaviour was water quality issues. However, numerous tests have come back negative for ammonia and nitrite, and the nitrates are well within safe limits. The pH seems good for goldfish at around 7.5. I've been wondering if there is actually an ammonia or nitrite problem and my test kits are no longer working properly. Do they expire over time? I've had the kits for approximately 3 years now.
Hobbes shares his tank (25 gallons) with 2 other goldfish, who do not seem to be affected by whatever is causing his problem. It also has an asian filter shrimp and a half dozen nerite snails. As well as a couple of live plants. Nothing new has been added to the tank in a couple of years. Hobbes has been there for close to 4 years now and as weathered quite a bit in the early months when I knew diddly squat about what was involved in keeping any type of fish, much less goldies.
Any suggestions on what might be happening and anything I can do to get things back on track?
Normally, I would probably add a little salt, but if I understand correctly salt, even in small amounts, would be detrimental to my shrimp, snails, and plants. Am I correct in assuming this? Are any medications like melafix or anything of that nature safe to use with shrimp, snails and live plants in the tank?
I unfortunately am not equiped with a suitable hospital tank, so if he had to be removed and treated seperately the best I could do would be a bucket. For obvious reasons, I would like to avoid this if at all possible.
I have an issue with one of my goldfish that I hope someone can give me some insight on. For some time now, Hobbes (a fantail) has been hanging around the bottom and/or hiding out in a plant a lot and exhibiting very little activity. However, he still goes full steam at feeding time, so his appetite is definitely not affected. Recently, I've noticed some red veining in his tail. And even more recently, I noticed that his beautiful long flowing tail now seems to be shredded.
Of course, my first thought when I started to notice his change in behaviour was water quality issues. However, numerous tests have come back negative for ammonia and nitrite, and the nitrates are well within safe limits. The pH seems good for goldfish at around 7.5. I've been wondering if there is actually an ammonia or nitrite problem and my test kits are no longer working properly. Do they expire over time? I've had the kits for approximately 3 years now.
Hobbes shares his tank (25 gallons) with 2 other goldfish, who do not seem to be affected by whatever is causing his problem. It also has an asian filter shrimp and a half dozen nerite snails. As well as a couple of live plants. Nothing new has been added to the tank in a couple of years. Hobbes has been there for close to 4 years now and as weathered quite a bit in the early months when I knew diddly squat about what was involved in keeping any type of fish, much less goldies.
Any suggestions on what might be happening and anything I can do to get things back on track?
Normally, I would probably add a little salt, but if I understand correctly salt, even in small amounts, would be detrimental to my shrimp, snails, and plants. Am I correct in assuming this? Are any medications like melafix or anything of that nature safe to use with shrimp, snails and live plants in the tank?
I unfortunately am not equiped with a suitable hospital tank, so if he had to be removed and treated seperately the best I could do would be a bucket. For obvious reasons, I would like to avoid this if at all possible.