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About Brit 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

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Fuzzy goldfish

Topic: Fish

Expert: Brit Brit
Date: 7/11/2008
Subject: Fuzzy goldfish

Question
Hi Nick,
About two and half weeks ago you answered my question about my goldfish that jumped out of the tank. Well, I bought something called Beta Fix,(with tea tree oil) which is what the pet store suggested and change the water every 3 - 4 days. The fish is doing ok, he is eating but he is noticeably slower, not as spry as before. One side of fishy is very fuzzy with no scales, what can I do to help him? Are there vitamins or I read add salt...
Again, I appreciate any suggestion.
Thanks,
Kathy

Answer
Hello Kathy - this is not Nick but I thought I'd answer your question for you since it has been sitting there for a while.
The issue you are describing sounds like a fungus problem. Is the goldfish the only one in it's tank, and how large is your tank? Also, what do you keep your temperature at? You should have at least a twenty gallon tank for a goldfish, as they grow quite large (reach around six inches after 3-4 years) and are very large-bodied and process food very quickly - meaning they are big fat ammonia producing machines! (I still love them, though) If you have anything smaller than the recommended size, and especially if you have more than one fish and/or are not doing enough water changes - this will cause a lot of issues in your tank and will eventually be fatal to the fish.
As far as fungus goes, it is generally triggered by poor water quality. This means your tank is either too small, or you have too many fish, or you haven't done enough water changes - or a combination of any of those. A large water change using a gravel vacuum will be your first step.Weekly water changes are such an important part of keeping your fish and tank healthy, so that waste doesn't build up and cause the immune systems of your fish to be weak and prone to illness and infection. Fresh water reduces the numbers of infectious organisms in the water too. These organisms are always around in our tanks so frequent cleaning keeps their numbers low so there is less chance they will infect our fish.
For now, you may want to use a combination of Pimafix and Melafix, which are natural remedies for fungus and bacteria. If after 4 or 5 days, your fish doesn't seem to be recovering at all, you may need a regular chemical medication such as fungus remedy. If you have any other fish, you'll want to separate them first, as they should not be exposed to the medication if they aren't showing any signs of the fungus.You should also consider using aquarium salt to aid in the recovery and to help prevent disease in the future.
Last thing I want to add - you don't want to be using bettafix for anything but a betta. Different fish have different needs for everything, and bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they may ingest their meds in a completely different way. In any case, don't overdose, and don't use the wrong medication. It will always cause more problems than it helps.

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