AboutBrit Brit Expertise I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc.
I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants.
I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, I know nothing about koi ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask.
If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly.
I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you.
Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much!
Details, details, details!!
(It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)
Experience I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :)
Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets.
Education/Credentials Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
Expert: Brit Brit Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: gold fish
Question Hi, I have a pond in my back yard, full of gold fish, and one of our fish looks as if it had been shoved into the wall of our pond, and most of its scales have been scraped off from behind the gill, and a few in the back, and also one of the front fins have been torn almost completely, except for a tiny piece. It has been two day since I took it from the pond into a tank, and it made it through the nights. It is eating and seems to be doing ok.
What could I do to help the growing process of the scales, and will the fin grow back? Also, would it be a good idea to change the water often? Also, behind the gill, where most of the scales have been torn, there is white string-ish looking stuff and I though it was the skin, but it looks a little to long. What is this if you know, and how will it affect it? (Increase of infection or the opposite?
Thank you so much for your time! Jade
Answer Hello Jade,
Have you noticed your fish rubbing itself against the decor or on rocks/gravel? Normally when fish are losing scales, they are flashing (rubbing on decor/rocks etc.) for some reason, or they are suffering from some sort of pathogenic attack. Scales can be knocked out by many things, including other fish, birds, or even children playing too rough. Fish will also knock out their own scales by "flashing".
Flashing can be caused by many different issues, including parasites, sudden temperature changes, poor water quality or changing water quality, incorrect pH, nitrogen accumulation, or even bacterial infections.
The most common causes are an incorrect pH, and/or parasites. The most common parasites that go with flashing are Flukes and Trichodina (parasites).
Stabilizing the pH is a good way to help relieve flashing behaviors caused by pH changes or a low pH.
pH is something any fish hobbyist needs to keep under watch -especially in a crowded tank. pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14 to measure the acidity or alkalinity of your tank's water. Goldfish do best between 7.3 - 7.6. Goldfish can stand varying pH much more than most other fish, however it's still important for your fish to be happy and healthy. and therefore make an effort to maintain their pH at the proper number. Water becomes more acidic over time, so keeping up on water changes and knowing about alkalinity and acidity can keep your pH in check. I have not dealt with many pond issues, so it may be a good idea to find and expert, or study up on how to maintain a pond properly, but I do know it's just as important for the fish in your pond to have water changes and it is for the fish in your tank.
As far as parasites go, Trichodina can be removed with aquarium salt ( not marine salt or table salt) in most cases. This will also help in the recovery of your fish overall, and is a good way to avoid infections. Flukes can be removed in a few different ways,including SupaVerm and Fluke Tabs. Always follow directions for dosing as most fluke remedies (along with other medications) will be toxic to your fish if overdosed or if it's left in too long.
Get yourself a water test kit form the pet store, or if you live fairly close to it, start going there a few times a week and have them test it for you for free (Petco and Petsmart do this).
They should test your Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, pH, Hardness, and Alkalinity for you. If you happen to have an employee who has done their homework, they will be able to help you from there.
Even if they give you a solution, check and recheck the information before taking action. If you find a knowledgable employee you can trust, you can continue to go back to this person for help in the future.
A good way to double check information is by buying a book on taking care of pond fish, or goldfish. You might also check online, but check several sites and be wary, as not everyone always knows what they're talking about.
Any government sites or sites ending in .org will always be more trustworthy.
As far as water changes go, any sick fish will fair well from clean, fresh water. I'd say 40% every other day, but it may be a bit harder when you are medicating. An undergracel vaccuum would be very helpful depending on how long you are planning on keeping your fish in this tank.
Definitely check your pond as well - if one fish got sick it is very likely there is some issue in the water that needs to be fixed/removed before other fish start getting sick as well.
Look up detritus and other pond related issues and see how that may help you.
Best of luck.
