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, and I know next to nothing about 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: 5/17/2008 Subject: goldfish
Question I have a large 35 gallon tank with 5 2" long gold fish. I use a aqua clear filter. We tread the water with easy balance by tetra. The problem were having is the fish are staying at the bottom of the tank. They eat well but they seem to have no life in them. This is the second time we have experience this. last time we lost all the fish and they were all about 4" long. Im sure were missing something simple but nobody seem to know what causing the problem. The fish look normal. No spots. We did have one lose its fins and it died.
please make some suggestion
Answer Hello Jane,
Unfortunately the problem lies with the size of your tank. With that many goldfish, you should have at least a 60 gallon tank. If you have comet goldfish, you would be better off finding a pond for them as they grow well over a foot long. Fancies can be kept in aquaria, but they are so large-bodied and produce so much ammonia, you simply must have a large tank in order to keep them alive and healthy for any length of time. Either find new homes for all but one or two, or upgrade to a larger tank as soon as possible.
You should also get a better filter, Aqua Clear is on the lower end of the quality spectrum when it comes to filters - a biowheel or even better a canister filter would be a much better choice and you might also consider an undergravel filter to greatly increase your beneficial bacteria (which eat ammonia).
Also, make sure you have some bubblers if you decide not to use an undergravel filter (which, in my opinion, an undergravel filter would be a better choice in every way).
Lastly, until you are able to either rehome some of your scaly friends or get a larger tank, you must keep up on your water changes. 40% twice a week at least would be closer to ideal so that your fish won't suffer from ammonia poisoning or nitrogen accumulation.
Best of luck to you and thanks for your question.
