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: 7/5/2008 Subject: Fan tail goldfish help needed please
Question Hi
We have a small (17L) tank brought for my daughter at Christmas. Since Christmas we have lost 4 fish (not all at the same time) and I'm getting a little sad about losing them all. I have never had more than 3 fish at one time (which is what it said I could have one the tank when we bought it). They have all died because of swimbladder.
We have one which seems to being doing OK so last w/e we went and got another 2. The first one died yesterday - seemed OK the night before and in the morning was hiding in the plants dead. I have no idea what caused this - it had a slightly swollen belly (it was white/gold) and the belly was a little black.
Now the other new one doesn't look right. He is gold but when I look down on him he appears to have white spots. He is also hiding in the weed which I though was to get away from the filter (it blows them around a bit) but I think it's because he's sick.
I change the water weekly to 10 days (50% to 75% change). I use a tube to get the water out. Should I be getting the grit clean as well? I changed the water (50%) after the white one died.
So the questions are:
a) water changes - am I doing them right?
b) what can I do about my white spots?
Any other advice you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.
Answer Hello Jo,
Your biggest problem is the fact that the tank is simply too small. The bigger the tank, the better - and the easier it is to keep your fish happy and healthy. You never say what kind of fish, so I don't know what exactly it is that you're putting in there. When it comes to fish keeping, it's very important to know the details. You need need to know exactly what species of fish you have in your tank - because every species is a different size, have a different personality and dietary needs, as well as different temperature of water, pH and alkalinity of water, and even different decor and lighting. Fish come from all over the world, and sticking two fish together that would otherwise never meet in the wild, can cause problems.
So make sure you always research the species of fish you are looking to add BEFORE buying it and adding it to your tank. This one small step alone will cut down on losses by at least 75%. Know your fish, and know the species you are keeping. Not all fish are compatible with each other.
Now, I promise you if you get a larger tank - I always recommend starting out with larger tanks (like a 20-30 GALLON, not liter) to be honest. It is sooo much easier to keep your fish alive, and also beginner's tend to always overstock. Having a larger tank allows for more mistakes like that (though it's never good to overstock your tank). When you get that larger tank, get it set up and running with a filter, heater, the gravel, decor..everything. Then don't add any fish for at least three days. When you DO start adding fish - NEVER add more than 1-3 fish per week, and keep to small, resilient species - such as rasbora, neon tetra, fancy guppies, kuhli loaches, and white clouds. You never want to double your fish suddenly either in numbers or inches. Rasbora are very good for beginner's as they are quite hardy and can withstand some ammonia and nitrogen build up better than other fish.
I am running out of time, but take your time, do some research, get a larger tank set up and start adding your fish gradually, be careful to not overstock or overfeed, and do your water changes once a week. (Yes you want to use the gravel vacuum to actually suck the crud and decaying food out of the GRAVEL) and you will be on your way towards becoming a knowledgeable fish keeper.
