Please help my poor fish..?

Question

We bought a new tank the day before yesterday and started it's cycle with the filter! We already a goldfish so had to move it in the tank asap! i know it was a bad decision but we had no other choice. Yesterday we noticed it had something on its lip, like a white cottony growth! Today the growth has grown even bigger, about the size of it's lip! My first question is WHAT COULD IT BE?

We have a much smaller tank which we could move the goldfish into but would only like to do that if completely necessary! We'll be getting some other fish as well so we don't want the conditions to be bad and the cotton disease thing to spread!

So my second question is SHOULD WE MOVE OUR FISH TO A SMALLER TANK ON IT'S OWN RATHER THAN WAIT FOR THIS DISEASE TO SPREAD? which would be bad for our other fish...

we are absolute beginners to this hobby and have no experience... so please could you help!!

additional details.. our tank is about 23 gallons and our smaller one is just a tank from the fair!!

Answer 1

sounds like a fungal infection, you dont want any more fish in that tank! Its probably due to stress/bad water conditions in a small tank or in an uncycled tank. Try fungacide, interpet makes good treatments. but follow the directions strictly, as too much can remove the oxygen and suffocate your fish (never let your brother treat the fish tank!!), that was a panic but ok. Stick to the right measurements for the volume of water!

Answer 2

put it in a tank by its self and watch it

Answer 3

Its algeee.. It grows on ALOT of fish mostly Betta's it can but not always kill the fish. There is treatment thou go to your local pet store and get it some meds. All you do is put it in a tank by itself and put the chemical in the water He will feel much better soon!!!

Answer 4

if you are going to put other fish in there, get it out!  More then likely it is a fungus/virus which can be treated.  It is always good to keep a small hospital tank set up to check fish for a couple days until you introduce them into a tank with other fish.  Lots of fish, especially Goldfish (which are the dirtiest of fish, IMO) can contract certain things while they are at the petstore and not show signs for days or until put under stress (like moving homes).  See if it goes a way, which it may.  If it doesn't go to your LFS (local fish store)  I recommend one that specializes, not petco; etc.  and find a treatment.  

Answer 5

Sounds like a fungus. Search for "goldfish fungus disease" to find more info. First off, don't get any other fish until your tank is completely cycled and your fish is cured. Second, make sure the fish you get are the right size for your tank and are compatible with the existing goldfish (goldfish are a cold-water fish, and a lot of other fish such as tetras, barbs etc are tropical fish and need warmer water). 23 gal is not a very big tank and you don't want to over-crowd it, especially if you're a beginner.

Here's a bit from one of the websites:

Fungus: In most cases, fungus is a secondary infection.  If a fish has an open sore caused from injuries or even a recent disease which may have penetrated the skin, the lack of mucus covering would leave the sore unprotected.  During this period of time the wound would be open to a secondary  infection from fungus. To prevent fungus avoid overcrowding, remove sharp objects from the tank, use a jar or container to catch your fish( I don't like nets), and try not to frighten your fish.  Symptoms: The fish has patches of white or gray fuzzy puffs(resembles cotton) attached to its skin. There may be excessive mucus on the fish's gills or surrounding the wounds.  Treatment:  If medicated quickly, fungus is easy to cure. There are several fungicide medications available.  Most include drugs such as: acriflavine, neutroflavine, copper sulfate. Fungal medications are sometimes applied directly to the patch of fungus present on the fish.  This is generally done with a cotton swab. Check your local petstore.

Answer 6

One goldfish requires a minimum of a 20 gallon tank alone.  They are coldwater fish and don't live with tropicals.  The growth is probably some type of fungus from poor water conditions.

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