ilovefish

Ok so I have had this goldfish for two weeks now in a 20 gallon tank. After my first water change the fish beagn to get lethargic and I took some readings and found the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels to be high. Since then I have used all sorts of products like Amquel, which removes Amm, nitrite and ntirates, Cycle water conditioner. I have added zeolite granules to the filter. The reading are still in the "stress" zone. My fish's fins and gills are red and he won't eat and sometimes he gasps for air on top and sometimes he is lying motionless on the bottom. I fear he is going to die. What can I do to save him??

Harley

maybe all the harsh chemicals where not a good thing. Just do 25-50% water changes daily to lower the levels of everything but keep up with your normals chemicals and just try one med. if anyone else has any suggestions plz add because i am not 100% percent sure on the condition of your fish.

sgould

I would do a 50% water change right away, wait a couple hours, then do another. This should help get the ammonia and nitrite down. After that, follow up with one daily 50% water change until your tank finishes cycling. Stop using the Cycle...many people have reported it causing more problems than it helps. Just use one product to dechlorinate your water...amquel+ or Prime either one would be good, but you only need one. Once you get going, update us on whether or not he improves...I am betting you will see a pretty rapid turnaround once you start on the water changes.

Beeboy

It sounds like your fish has ammonia poisoning. I would stick with lots of water changes.

Beeboy

ilovefish

Thanks all of u for ur advice. I am going to do a water change right now!! I will also do changes more often till the levels begin to drop. I was wondering if I could out him in a bucket of fresh dechlorinated water. is that safe??

Chief_waterchanger

Yes, 5g buckets can be used for short time periods. (1-6 hours is most I'd suggest in common situations)

Did you cycle your tank first, and what size tank is it, what kind of other critters are in the tank and how many?

ilovefish

Ok so its a 20 gallon tank. I did NOT cycle it first...I think that was my biggest mistake. I actually did a lot of my research when I got the fish. No other critters in the tank. I have a filter and an airpump. How long can I keep doing the bucket thing??

Harley

change the water ever few hours untill the levels of amonia and nitrates...(all that fun stuff) go down! Hope your fish gets better!