juloea

hi all - i have four goldfish. one of the solid orange ones is rapidly fading in color to nearly white! all the rest seem fine. i don't see any fungus or raised scales or anything that would indicate a disease...acting fine and eating etc. anyone know what could cause this? thanks for your help!

Lucy

Hi
What size tank are they in? Any other tank mates? What are your readings for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

juloea

50 gal. tank...all water tests within normal limits. i change 50% water twice per month. thanks

Lucy

How long have you had them? Sometimes goldies changing color is normal.
If they're acting well and the water parameters are normal, just keep your eye out for now.

sirdarksol

One other huge question with goldfish bleaching:
What is the temperature of the aquarium?
Goldfish are temperate critters, which means they like water that is cooler than tropical fish, and they like the temp to fluctuate seasonally. This means that, most of the time, goldfish can get away without a heater.

As Lucy said, however, goldies changing color can also be pretty normal.

juloea

temp about 68-70...no heater. i've had them about six months and biught them at pet super store so i assume they were quite young when i got them as they have doubled their size. thanks...i'll keep an eye on them.

sirdarksol

Sounds like a good temp. As you say, just keep an eye on them.

Butterfly

I would also suggest weekly water changes and substrate vacuums. Goldies are huge waste producers and less frequent water changes would raise the total dissolved solids(dissolved waste) in the water.
As has been said above Goldies frequently change color as they mature.
carol