Fantail Goldfish Sinking, 4+ Weeks, Lump On Side?

Got into fishkeeping when my five year old won a common goldfish at the fair. Mom gave her a bowl and did the whole "they only grow as big as their bowls" line. So, we started out with a 30 gallon tank, the filter that came with it (Top Fin brands), gravel, and some decorations. We also got a fantail goldfish as a friend. I ended up doing a fish-in cycle because I had to get the fish into something quickly from the bowl and everything went fine. About 6 months later, my husband added a small 3-4 inch koi who hasn't grown much. We never had any issues with water quality or maintenance or the fish. We had an algae bloom a few months ago (tank was in front of a window) so I added a UV filter and it cleared. For maintenance, we would do about 50-75% water change every week or other week depending on the fish and the state of the tank. We did not have a water test kit at this time. My husband would also change the carbon filter when he did this.

Fast forward to now. About 2 weeks ago, I did a 75% water change because the algae was getting crazy and the common was bottom sitting which he does when the water is bad. I scrubbed the walls, changed the water, changed the carbon filter. Everyone was fine, happy, eating normally. The next morning, I noticed the fantail bottom sitting. Almost burrowed into a hole in the gravel. This was odd to me as he NEVER has bottom sat since we've had him, even when the common did. My 6 yr old had gotten up before me that morning so I asked if she'd added anything to the tank and she swears she didn't. Over the course of a week, we did three partial water changes, ranging from 25-50%. We also added 2 airstones since he seemed like he was gasping. We did NOT change the filter media this time because I was concerned about losing bacteria after reading an article stating you shouldn't change the filter media as often as we were.

None of this changed the fantail at all. The koi and common were fine. Everyone was still eating thankfully. We feed them pellets or peas since the fantail has swim bladder issues and gets floaty and upside down if we do flakes. I did finally order an API drops kit and nitrates/nitrites have always been 0. pH dropped to 6.5 so I added Tetra EasyBalance to adjust. During this time I did have an ammonia spike to .50 on Sunday morning. To adjust for this and hopefully help other issues, I decided to upgrade to a 50 gallon last night. We also bought a Penguin 350B filter to accommodate the larger load.

I seeded the new tank with the old filter material, old gravel, and some old decorations. Everything new was soaked in dechlorinated water before I added it, including the new filter's cartridges. I added bacterial supplement since the old filter didn't release as much material as I'd hoped as well as more EasyBalance and water conditioner.

As of this morning, the parameters were:

pH: 7.5
Ammonia: somewhere between 0 and .25 colorwise but looks closer to 0
Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0

Temp I don't know because I tried transferring the temp strip from the old tank and it ripped so I have to get a new thermometer. Our house is set to 72 and we haven't had issues with water temp before. We have a heater I can add if we need to but I thought goldfish did better in cooler water.

When I finished tank setup and transferred the fish, he didn't change. They were all weirded out and stunned for a while but the koi and common perked up quickly. They bottom sat some but also equally swim and explore and when they do sit, they go to the fantail. The fantail just sits there, and at one point when I looked over he was almost completely on his side. He fixed himself though but just sat again. When I turned out the lights, he swam around some. This morning he's still been sitting. I've seen him swim around more than he has but he's still sitting more than anything. In the old tank and earlier, he was gasping but now he's not.

I'm wondering if it's the water, which I don't think it is because the parameters are okay for now. I'm going to keep an eye out for a minI cycle though. He's had swim bladder issues before like I said but always too much air. Can swim bladder issues make them sink? My husband joked that he ate gravel rocks and is too heavy to swim. But seriously. When he tries to swim, which he does sparingly, he'll swim up and around for maybe 10-30 seconds, then he just stops and quickly sinks to the bottom and stays there.

I'm going to try fasting them for a few days then go with peas. That's worked before with his constipation and swim bladder problems. Any ideas or advice? My husband also said that maybe he's just not going to make it but I mentioned that if he were going to die, I'd think he'd have done it by now, not 2 weeks later.

So confused and at a loss...

Also wanted to add that no one, including the fantail, are showing signs of illness: clamped fins, weird swimming, redness, black spots, white spots, etc. They appear absolutely normal.

 

I've been watching and working on our fantail goldfish recently. I've posted on some other fish forums and on Reddit and not gotten much in the way of guidance. This sinking issue has been going on for 2.5 weeks now and in 2 different tanks. Sorry for the other 2 photo bombing. I’d just fed them peas and they thought I had more. Here is a link to my Reddit post that has my video on it:





So, originally we had him and the common in a 30 gal tank for about 6 months. No issues at all. Husband added the third, the silver koi, after that. We had that tank for about a year and a half. In lieu of this issue with the fantail and knowing we’d need to soon, we upgraded to a 55 gal last Sunday with a Marineland Penguin 350B power filter. I used what material I could from the filter and gravel/decorations to help seed the 55. Everyone was a little stunned after the move but the other 2 perked up quickly and seem to enjoy the new space.

The fantail spends 99% of his time in the right corner of the tank near the airstone in the plants and on the gravel. As you can see in the video, he does want to eat which is a good sign. Usually peas have fixed his problems with his swim bladder before although he’s only gone upside down before now. He will try to do large spurts of activity, swimming quickly to the top and then drops like a stone. When he does this he also gasps like he’s swam a mile but he’s not gasping before he does that. It’s like the activity wore him out.

I knew the new tank would probably hit a minI cycle or do a new cycle as I didn’t get as much material from the old filter as I’d hoped. Over the course of this week, I’ve been checking parameters obsessively. Ammonia hasn’t gone above .25 and when I hit .25 I did a 25% WC. Both Ns continue to read 0. I did a 50% WC last night hoping to perk him up and nothing. Temp is 72. I even redid my parameters tonight after learning about nitrate bottle #2 issues with the API kit and everything still reads 0. I shook those bottles for what seemed like forever and made sure I was following the directions to a T. I’ve also fasted the fish for 3 days and started back with veggies only. So far they’ve had peas, zucchini, and broccoli. Btw, don’t do broccoli. They ate it but it made the water reek.

Anyone have any insight? My husband keeps telling me to forget about it that I’m obsessing too much over it. I’ve researched constantly about this and tried everything short of moving him to a hospital tank and doing Epsom salt dips. And I just want to clarify that he was acting like this for almost 1.5 weeks in the old 30 gal tank before we moved him to the larger one. His behavior hasn't changed.

 

Sounds like Epsom salt peas and maybe lowering the water level Goldiemom ?

 

I agree. At first I thought it was due to an uncycled tank. He’s not pine coning but the Epsom salt may help. Have you ever treated for parasites? Prazipro May be something to consider.

 

I agree. At first I thought it was due to an uncycled tank. He’s not pine coning but the Epsom salt may help. Have you ever treated for parasites? Prazipro May be something to consider.

The tank is probably doing a cycle. When we had our 30 gallon my husband would often toss out the floss carbon filter cartridges and replace them every 2-4 weeks which is what the box says to do. He admitted the other day to scrubbing the entire filter itself before. When I tried seeding the new tank with water that I’d soaked the old filter media in, since it was newer it didn’t release as much gunk as I’d hoped for. I did add bacteria as well though. I figured it would be cycling so I’ve been watching the parameters like a hawk.

We’ve never had any issues at all out of these three so I haven’t had to use any treatment of any kind. I did get someone on Reddit suggesting it was internal parasites too. It’s all I can really think of other than swim bladder. I hope he doesn’t have an untreatable kind. I guess I’ll convince my husband to make him a life jacket, lol.

I will order that medication you mentioned. On another thread which you and another member commented on, she said she purchased swim bladder treatment at a store and had good results. Is that worth it? I always thought it didn’t do anything.

Since the tank is 55 gal, and the other two are so active, should I try a hospital tank or just the quick salt baths?

 

Hello. And a late welcome to fishlore!

For me, if the peas haven’t helped, I’d try an antibiotic. General cure does have metronidazole so it may be beneficial to use it. Just be aware chronic SWD can be incurable. If the swim bladder is more deformed than usual in your fantail, it may always have this problem. A vet would be able to X-ray it to make sure. Sometimes they can remove excess air or fluid to help. Sometimes. The goldfish thread you posted on had a different issue. Her fish was a little too chubby. Tell us what you’re thinking?

 

Hello. And a late welcome to fishlore!

For me, if the peas haven’t helped, I’d try an antibiotic. General cure does have metronidazole so it may be beneficial to use it. Just be aware chronic SWD can be incurable. If the swim bladder is more deformed than usual in your fantail, it may always have this problem. A vet would be able to X-ray it to make sure. Sometimes they can remove excess air or fluid to help. Sometimes. The goldfish thread you posted on had a different issue. Her fish was a little too chubby. Tell us what you’re thinking?

I can try the meds. Which would you suggest first? The general or Prazipro? I Don’t think it’s bacterial since this has been going on a while and the others are fine. The general metro med sounds like an antifungal with the azole ending. Does it have a bunch of meds in it or is it just fungal?

Also, should I treat the whole tank or just him in a hospital tank?

 

I can try the meds. Which would you suggest first? The general or Prazipro? I Don’t think it’s bacterial since this has been going on a while and the others are fine. The general metro med sounds like an antifungal with the azole ending. Does it have a bunch of meds in it or is it just fungal?

Also, should I treat the whole tank or just him in a hospital tank?

The general cure has praziquantel and metronidazole in it. Using these meds, I’d treat the whole tank. Because if one of these treatments work, the others have been exposed to whatever it is. Keep us updated ok?

 

Okay so I got some API general cure as well as a mesh breeder box to separate him in the tank. The others aren’t bothering him but I’m hoping having him closer to the surface he’ll get more O2 and improve.

When I dose the tank I know I’m supposed to remove the filter cartridges to protect the bacteria. What exactly do I do with them in the meantime?

 

If your ammonia is .25 (Anything above zero) He could be suffering from a water quality issue. I would worry about throwing medications on top of that till your water parameters are perfect (Ammonia zero, nitrite 0). If you have a goldfish tank with zero nitrates, your tank is not cycled. Using prime water conditioner can help detoxify the ammonia while the tank is cycling. You said he had a problem in the 30 gallon, I am not surprised because that’s a huge load - Especially with the koi fish. If you don’t want to lower the water level another thing you can do if he is really lethargic is to float a plastic colander in the water and put him in it .. the other fish won’t bother him and he’ll be closer to the surface so he can breathe better until he is feeling better. (Saw this on solidgold.com) And he gets the benefit of fresh water through the holes. A fry net could also work

 

If your ammonia is .25 (Anything above zero) He could be suffering from a water quality issue. I would worry about throwing medications on top of that till your water parameters are perfect (Ammonia zero, nitrite 0). If you have a goldfish tank with zero nitrates, your tank is not cycled. Using prime water conditioner can help detoxify the ammonia while the tank is cycling. You said he had a problem in the 30 gallon, I am not surprised because that’s a huge load - Especially with the koi fish. If you don’t want to lower the water level another thing you can do if he is really lethargic is to float a plastic colander in the water and put him in it .. the other fish won’t bother him and he’ll be closer to the surface so he can breathe better until he is feeling better. (Saw this on solidgold.com) And he gets the benefit of fresh water through the holes. A fry net could also work

The tank is cycled. I was having issues with nitrate test bottle 2. My nitrates are rising and in range. Everything else reads 0. Ph is 7.8.

I got a mesh breeder net today. Also, while I’m aware the koi will grow currently he’s 4-5 in long. All the fish are about the same size. None of the fish are having issues other than him. And it’s not a bottom sitting issue it’s more of a sinking issue. He’ll swim up quickly to eat and then sinks like a stone. It’s not a deliberate swim to the bottom. He’s had swim bladder issues before.

 

The tank is cycled. I was having issues with nitrate test bottle 2. My nitrates are rising and in range. Everything else reads 0. Ph is 7.8.

I got a mesh breeder net today. Also, while I’m aware the koi will grow currently he’s 4-5 in long. All the fish are about the same size. None of the fish are having issues other than him. And it’s not a bottom sitting issue it’s more of a sinking issue. He’ll swim up quickly to eat and then sinks like a stone. It’s not a deliberate swim to the bottom. He’s had swim bladder issues before.

Ok good- fingers crossed its just a bouyancy thing that clears up! Good luck

 

Just an update. I kept an eye on him for a few days, fed only peas and no change. Today’s parameters:

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
PH 6.6 (this is a tank from the normal 7.5, looking at getting crushed coral)

Anyway, no change no matter what we do. After reading parameters, I did a 10% WC in preparation of API general cure. Did the first dose of that tonight.

I also put him in a mesh breeder box near the top for oxygen and I’m sure he’s uncomfortable but idk what else to do. I still think it’s swim bladder bc his belly does look fat and in the box he’d lay on his side before righting himself. I threw in some more peas into the box so he could have a chance at getting them.

Should I leave him in the breeder box the entire time or only for a while? I feel like taking him in and out would cause stress. The only other option we have for a hospital tank is an old bowl we have from a Betta we once had (long before I was knowledgeable on fish). I do still have a filter from our old 30 gal. Idk if we have any tubs or anything though.

Suggestions? Here are some pictures.

 

Sounds like your water is perfect- maybe this thread is helpful 20 Gallon Tank - Goldfish Laying on bottom! Cycled Tank, No ammonia...

 

Just an update. I kept an eye on him for a few days, fed only peas and no change. Today’s parameters:

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
PH 6.6 (this is a tank from the normal 7.5, looking at getting crushed coral)

Anyway, no change no matter what we do. After reading parameters, I did a 10% WC in preparation of API general cure. Did the first dose of that tonight.

I also put him in a mesh breeder box near the top for oxygen and I’m sure he’s uncomfortable but idk what else to do. I still think it’s swim bladder bc his belly does look fat and in the box he’d lay on his side before righting himself. I threw in some more peas into the box so he could have a chance at getting them.

Should I leave him in the breeder box the entire time or only for a while? I feel like taking him in and out would cause stress. The only other option we have for a hospital tank is an old bowl we have from a Betta we once had (long before I was knowledgeable on fish). I do still have a filter from our old 30 gal. Idk if we have any tubs or anything though.

Suggestions? Here are some pictures.
View attachment 460113
View attachment 460114

Is he bigger?

 

I’ve posted twice on fishlore before about this. Second post I got some good advice but haven’t had any replies after updating. My fantail has been sinking to the bottom of the tank for over a month now. He’s had swim bladder problems in the past but the upside down kind easily remedied with peas.

We’ve upgraded to a larger tank and filter, QTed, fed peas and vegetables only, added more aeration, tested and tested and retested the water, adjusting parameters as needed. I’ve treated with API general cure and nothing. He shows no outward signs of illness. Although I think I can kind of see that his right side seems bulged out now? I’ve been gone a week (husband has been home monitoring) and I came back tonight and it was enough to notice. Could this be a growth of some kind? I have literally no other ideas with which to improve this fish or his quality of life.

He sits on the bottom 99% of the day. He’ll do short bursts of activity but then breathes like he’s swam for miles. And before anyone asks, the parameters are good and have been since the installment of the larger tank. He’s in a 55 gal with a common goldfish and a koi that is 5 inches long. And yes, I know I’ll need to rehome the koi and common eventually. This sinking behavior was occurring in the older 30 gal and in this 55 gal.

Any ideas? I really don’t want to euthanize this guy but I can’t imagine lying on the bottom all day and not socializing unless his friends come closer is a great quality of life. Pics below. The side that looks odd is the right. I know the fantail body shape is curved but the right side looks like it bulges outwardly more.

 

Have you fasted?

 

Sometimes that can be normal, but sometime it isn’t. Try fasting for two or three days.

 

Sometimes that can be normal, but sometime it isn’t. Try fasting for two or three days.

Yes. We’ve done about three days fasting several times since the issue began.

 

I have no clue what could be going on, I can tag some people, maybe take it to a vet?????
jdhef Lucy Dave125g emmysjjGoldiemom

 

My fantail used to go thru long periods of bottom sitting, and never figured out why. But it did live for 8 years.

 

Well, it appears to be a female and she may be egg bound. I know you can gently massage their abdomen to try to release the eggs but let’s wait for Gypsy13 to come on. I wouldn’t attempt this yet. She looks healthy otherwise. No pineconing or abscesses.

 

Well, it appears to be a female and she may be egg bound. I know you can gently massage their abdomen to try to release the eggs but let’s wait for Gypsy13 to come on. I wouldn’t attempt this yet. She looks healthy otherwise. No pineconing or abscesses.

Agree. It appears to be a gravid female. I would just do a large water change. It may perk her up and encourage her to drop the eggs.

 

Hey. If she’s constantly laying on one side only, see if you can lift her for a bit. I wouldn’t tell you how to “milk” eggs without knowing positively that’s the problem. If she’s eating, keep feeding peas. You can also feed brine shrimp and daphnia. But don’t let her stay on the bottom constantly. If she’s moving at all, it’s ok. Clean water and peas/daphnia. If you can get a pic of her left side, would help lots.

 

#Coradee

 

#Coradee

Are you trying to call on Coradee? Coradee

 

Coradee. You need the @ sign.

 

Hi, sorry it’s been 50 odd years since I kept Goldfish so I can’t add anything of use, hope someone with better knowledge of goldies can chime in

 

Hi, sorry it’s been 50 odd years since I kept Goldfish so I can’t add anything of use, hope someone with better knowledge of goldies can chime in

Hello.
OP says there’s multiple threads on this? Any way you could merge for me? Please?

 

Threads have been merged

 

Threads have been merged

Ok memory joggled.
Fantail been on bottom/sinking to bottom for long time. Water parameters much better now.
SWD. Fancies more prone than single tails. Commons/comets. Though veiltail comets prone too.
At the beginning of all this, not much in the way of swelling. I thought I’d given you the “protocol” for determining cause of SWD. Just part evidently. So sorry.
Ok. So we know the history of SWD in this little one.

Protocol:
Initially fast 2-3 days then feed peas or daphnia
Epsom salt to balance fluids 1/8 teaspoon/5 gallons 78-80F
Medicated food/broad spectrum antibiotic (maracyn2)
Internal antiparasitic (general cure, paraguard)
Vet X-ray

*if fish is bottom sitting, either reduce water level in tank, move to qt or like you did bring him closer to top in breeder net to reduce water pressure on internal organs. Though that doesn’t give him a lot of room to swim.

I’ve given this protocol for info. You’ve already taken all the steps except the vet. What could they do? First get an X-ray to determine exactly what’s got this swim bladder wonked. Then either remove excess fluid with a needle or if there’s a mass, remove it. Including egg mass though not exactly sure where that came from. Since you’re first thread stated he’d had the swim bladder issue before, I’m not thinking eggs. Could be wrong. Won’t be the first time. I can’t see so I can’t tell you if it’s boy or girl.

Keep in mind, sometimes SWD is just something we have to accept. Mine is a floater. Actually had a tumor removed but didn’t correct the damaged swim bladder. I have to coat with Vaseline to keep exposed skin from drying out. You have to get your little one off the lower part of the tank and keep it there. Or, get a thirty long and only fill it 2/3 to the top.

I’m sorry I didn’t get your other notifications. I think you’ve done an awesome job for him so far.

 

Generations of inbreeding of fancies has made them prone to tumors- that’s my guess

 

Omg I’m so sorry I didn’t see this, I was away and I just got back!!!

I pretty much agree with the advice given to you, I’m really sorry you have to experience this