Our goldish is gasping and lying on the bottom of the tank after water changes. What can we do?

Question

We have had our goldfish for nearly ten years and in the last week or so it is just lying on the bottom of the tank gasping for air. We have done water changes and tested the water which is ok. We have given him fin rot medication and bacterial medication. He also has noticably red on his tail and the tank is becoming dirtier than normal and smells. He is not eating and only moves occasionally. Sometimes the gasping slows down but, not for long. What can we do?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Wow, 10 years is quite a long time for fish.  Goldfish are notorious for dirtying the tank faster than most.  You may need to change the water more frequently for a while.  The red on the tail may be a sign of finrot.  You are probably on the right path with the medication.  It may be making the water gunk up quicker, too.  The gasping may be because of the chlorine/chloride in the water.  Do you treat the water?  You can get a water conditioner that removes/neutralizes the chlorine/chloride in the water.

You may want to try aquarium salt (not the same as table salt).  It is supposed to promote the healing process.

There is a website out there on bettas that discusses the different ailments of bettas and their treatment.  Gasping was one of the ailments.  I would think it would be similar.  Of course, I couldn't find it for you.

Check at your local pet store, they should be able to tell you.

Good luck, and I hope he feels better.

Answer 2

It might be his time to go. Also, do you have chlorine in your water? That could be why he is gasping for air. You need to buy water conditioner! IT will take the chlorine out. Its gills are burning because of the chloring if this is what the problem is!

Answer 3

I don't know it sounds like he's dying and I don't think there's much else you can do.

Answer 4

the filter! i would def. get a whole new system because the filter is the source fo oxygen. from the reaction from your fish i thinks that what he needs, and fast! just because your goldfish in 10 yrs old, he is not as strong as he was, so i would not change all the water at once but only half at a time because older fish easily be shocked  by temp change.

the best of luck.

seroiusly that amazing.. 10 yrs.

thats a bew record!