AboutBenty Expertise GOT A QUESTION ABOUT:
Basic needs for specific fish, illnesses, best tankmates, breeding, water chemistry, tricks to safely cut corners, and/or “stupid” questions? Maybe I can help! :)
I like to explain why you do things in aquariums (like why to use spring instead of distilled, or what pH numbers mean, ect.) so you understand why and not just taking someone’s word for it. I also like giving answers where you have two choices so you can choose which is best for the time and money you can commit to your fish. I understand how tight money can be and how expensive fish related things get.
I will NEVER leave you with an “I don’t know.” Ever. I hate that. That would waste your time and that's just mean. :)
Puedo contestar tus preguntas en español también.
Experience I have had tropical fish since 1999. I currently have: a 55gal, ten 10gal, 3 five gallons, three 2gal, and a bunch of jars and bowls. At the time I'm typing this, I have: 14 angels, 13 goldfish, 73 bettas, 12 barbs, 5 catfish, too many guppies, 4 gouramis, 2 plecos, 10 loaches, bunch of swordtails, and probably a few others, lol.
I love to rescue fish. I've had everything from mutant danios, to one eyed goldfish, to my newest adoptee, a 2 year old betta with a MASSIVE tumor problem. He was brought to a pet shop and left there because the lady didn't know what to do with him. He's pretty scary looking. One of the guys at the store there I know let me have him. :D YAY! Elephant Man lives in a gallon bowl with pretty stones in my bathroom.
Plus!!!
I sell: veil, delta, halfmoon, plakat, and crowntail bettas as well as halfblack and blonde tuxedo fancy guppies. Ask me about it sometime.
Expert: Benty Date: 1/26/2008 Subject: old goldfish, new tank... and new bump!
Question Hi,
I have a lovely old goldfish named Bob -- he's almost 18 years old. Last weekend I moved him into his new home, a 20 gallon aquarium, from his former 10 gallon aquarium.
The day after I moved him into the new tank I noticed a large bump above his right eye. It is not red, but slightly white, raised and about the size of his eye. His tank has fresh spring water mixed with some of his old water, 1/4 gravel (a little new gravel), a few fake plants and a new filter (activated carbon only for 20-35 gallon tank).
He seems to be healthy besides the bump and -- cleaning the gravel, eating well, etc. I also noticed thought that he is taking air at the surface occasionally, but it might have just been after he was fed. He also bumps a little into the glass with his eye, but it could be the new tank light (which he isn't used to and I try not to use).
I love Bob. Really, for a fish I am very attached. The bump has been there for over a week now without changes, except it may be a bit paler.
Should I add aquarium salt and use a treatment to be safe? Should I wait and see?
Thank you,
Amanda
Answer Hey Amanda!
I know what you mean by being really attached to a fish. I'm happy for you though. :)
I would say wait and see. Treating with meds when they aren't needed most of the time causes resistant bacteria. Bad stuff. If the bump turns into a sore treat with an antibiotic such as Kanamycin or Ampicillin and add 4 tablespoon of aquarium salt. Maracyn is easy to find but not the strongest. Melafix and Pimafix... pretty much anything with tree oil... is GREAT for torn fins and stuff but only WITHOUT an infection. Treat with the meds until the sore goes away and starts to heal.
To me though... the bump sounds like a tumor. Can't really do anything to stop them. Varied diet can slow it down to some degree. Add some veggies to munch on like lettuce, peas, ect. With goldfish they like salt in their water anyways. All fish need salt.
If you don't need a light for plants... try only to turn it on when you are watching them. It keeps algae and bacteria from going crazy.
What kind of filter do you have? Is it on high or low? Low is the best to keep it on because it cleans the water better and less turbulence. Try turning your filter on high, if it isn't. See if that stops the coming to the surface. Some goldfish need air pumps. Some don't.
