Hi there. I have two fancy goldfish (a black moor and a fantail). They coexist in a 37 gallon tank. Other than one mystery snail, they are the only inhabitants.
I started my tank in January brand new. It has an Aqueon filter that is suitable for up to 50 gallons. I do not use a heater because the tank rests comfortably around 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. I use sand for substrate and have a few large rocks for decor.
I do weekly water changes of about 80-100% at which time I also use a syphon to remove waste from the bottom of the tank. I always use Tetra’s water conditioner liberally when performing water changes. I also always add API’s PH Up to bring levels up to about 7.5. I also have to use Ammo Lock because my tap water is always high in ammonia.
That said I do the water changes and add all of these things with no fish in the tank. I let it sit with the filter going for an hour or two before adding the fish back in. Typically I test the water once or twice per week with my API liquid testing kit and get acceptable to nearly-perfect levels of ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
For a few MONTHS both fish have been gasping frequently at the surface and/or just hanging around the top of the tank. Sometimes they will bottom sit, and sometimes they bottom sit literally right next to each other. It’s crazy they are either at the top gasping for air or sitting on the bottom. Two different extremes.
I’ll say that the fantail hangs out more at the top and gasps more. It also swims/darts erratically sometimes and yawns often. The black moor does spend more time at the bottom, but does still go to the top to gasp often. The black moor has a much more relaxed disposition.
The filter produces a decent current, so I really don’t think this is an oxygen/aeration issue. However, it is a taller tank thank most. The filter hangs off the bank and pours over the top of the tank. I do not have a sandstone.
I went down a path for a few weeks of using MinnFinn to treat potential disease. Directions said disease should clear up within a few treatments. I did treatments for a few weeks, so there’s no way these fish have a disease! There are no physical symptoms of disease or fungus. Both fish look very healthy.
I’m really at a loss as to why they gasp so often and then bottom sit. It seems like they are always stressed. They aren’t in a loud room, no kids, no loud animals, nothing.
I know it can be normal for fish to go to the surface periodically, but the frequency of it and the length of time spent gasping does not seem normal.
Help!
I started my tank in January brand new. It has an Aqueon filter that is suitable for up to 50 gallons. I do not use a heater because the tank rests comfortably around 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. I use sand for substrate and have a few large rocks for decor.
I do weekly water changes of about 80-100% at which time I also use a syphon to remove waste from the bottom of the tank. I always use Tetra’s water conditioner liberally when performing water changes. I also always add API’s PH Up to bring levels up to about 7.5. I also have to use Ammo Lock because my tap water is always high in ammonia.
That said I do the water changes and add all of these things with no fish in the tank. I let it sit with the filter going for an hour or two before adding the fish back in. Typically I test the water once or twice per week with my API liquid testing kit and get acceptable to nearly-perfect levels of ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
For a few MONTHS both fish have been gasping frequently at the surface and/or just hanging around the top of the tank. Sometimes they will bottom sit, and sometimes they bottom sit literally right next to each other. It’s crazy they are either at the top gasping for air or sitting on the bottom. Two different extremes.
I’ll say that the fantail hangs out more at the top and gasps more. It also swims/darts erratically sometimes and yawns often. The black moor does spend more time at the bottom, but does still go to the top to gasp often. The black moor has a much more relaxed disposition.
The filter produces a decent current, so I really don’t think this is an oxygen/aeration issue. However, it is a taller tank thank most. The filter hangs off the bank and pours over the top of the tank. I do not have a sandstone.
I went down a path for a few weeks of using MinnFinn to treat potential disease. Directions said disease should clear up within a few treatments. I did treatments for a few weeks, so there’s no way these fish have a disease! There are no physical symptoms of disease or fungus. Both fish look very healthy.
I’m really at a loss as to why they gasp so often and then bottom sit. It seems like they are always stressed. They aren’t in a loud room, no kids, no loud animals, nothing.
I know it can be normal for fish to go to the surface periodically, but the frequency of it and the length of time spent gasping does not seem normal.
Help!
