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Water testsOK Ornamental goldfish symptoms are clamped fin,bottom dwelling 1 died Changed water adde2007-11-24 23:40:30

I had 2 ornamental goldfish in my 20 gallon wall tank. After the one died I changed 10% of water (which I do every week). Then after a couple days I added a replacement and now both the original and the new fish are clamping the dorsal fins, acting lethargic and just sitting numbly at the bottom. I have a really good filtration system, Use treated tap water and am good about not overfeeding and testing the water. Help!

Answers:

Eventually, you will need a larger tank. If they grow to their full size, they will eventually need a pond.

You say your water tests OK, but what is OK in numerical terms? Is your ammonia and nitrite at 0ppm, and your nitrates at less than 40ppm (less than 20ppm is best)? Is your pH at around 7.0 and steady with no recent fluctuations?

Ideally, you should be doing 20% water changes weekly for any fish, but since goldfish are messier than tropical fish, I'd do 30% weekly.

What do you use for filtration? Do you have an aerator with an air stone? If not, consider investing in one.

Are you sure nothing foreign accidentally got in the water? No soap, perfume, detergent, etc.?

It is possible that your fish may have contracted some kind of illness. Are their any growths or lesions? Any discoloration? Usually clamped fins and lethargy are a sign of poor water quality, so if your fish aren't showing any outward signs, I'd check your water again.

Good luck!

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Sounds like the tank is too small to me. Try aereating- bubbler or set filter up to run air through.