Help! My goldfishes tail is falling off!

[Rachael64]

About two days ago I noticed one of my goldfish (that has the largest tail) was falling off. I've been doing research and I don't know what it is or what the cause is. I don't think it's fin rot because the tail is splitting and falling off, there's no redness or other abnormalities in the fishes tail/appearance. I want to help him but I don't know what to do!

All together I have 4 goldfish, my little half sister won them at the carnival and I had to keep them at my house. I've had them for a week so far and I'm trying to do everything I can to keep them healthy and happy but I'm new at this. I had them all crammed in a 1 gallon tank for a few days and after learning how terrible that is, it's now been 4 days of having them in a 10 gallon tank. I know they all need more room than that but I can't afford it right now..
I've put all the necessary water solutions in to get rid of the harsh chemicals, I've added salt to calm them and I feed them flakes twice a day. I've tested the water and checked the temperature and it's good.

If anyone can give me advice on what to do or what's the cause I'd be very grateful!

(My goldfish & his tail) - http://i57.tinypic.com/2a6ts1e.jpg

 

[Delapool]

About two days ago I noticed one of my goldfish (that has the largest tail) was falling off. I've been doing research and I don't know what it is or what the cause is. I don't think it's fin rot because the tail is splitting and falling off, there's no redness or other abnormalities in the fishes tail/appearance. I want to help him but I don't know what to do!



All together I have 4 goldfish, my little half sister won them at the carnival and I had to keep them at my house. I've had them for a week so far and I'm trying to do everything I can to keep them healthy and happy but I'm new at this. I had them all crammed in a 1 gallon tank for a few days and after learning how terrible that is, it's now been 4 days of having them in a 10 gallon tank. I know they all need more room than that but I can't afford it right now..

I've put all the necessary water solutions in to get rid of the harsh chemicals, I've added salt to calm them and I feed them flakes twice a day. I've tested the water and checked the temperature and it's good.



If anyone can give me advice on what to do or what's the cause I'd be very grateful!



(My goldfish & his tail) - http://i57.tinypic.com/2a6ts1e.jpg

Hi, welcome to AA

Some articles below to get started.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...ou-get-started-with-your-aquarium-154837.html


To be totally honest if there is a goldfish pond anywhere I would rehome them to that. As you mention the tank is too small and with funds tight, you could have a lot more enjoyment with fish (eg betta) suited to the tank size.

But to kick off. The tank is not cycled so it doesn't have a population of good bacteria that can convert harmful fish waste products (ammonia) to less harmful (nitrate). Cycling a tank can take a month.

A water chemistry test kit is a really worthwhile purchase when starting off. Online they can be fairly cheap.

http://www.apifishcare.com/product.php?id=580#.VTj7De0azCR

Feeding - cut back to once every second day. More feed = more waste and it is the waste which is polluting the tank and causing the fish problems.

Water changes - you will need to do 50% every day to keep water quality up.

Salt - skip the salt. At this point it isn't useful.

Filtration - what sort of filter are you running?