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Why is my goldfish staying at the bottom after moving to a new tank?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male

I changed my goldfish to new tank, and now he's staying on the bottom and not swimming around. When I go up to the tank he try's to move around. It's like he can't swim

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

Hi there, when you change a tank over you should take some water from the previous tank then make it up with freshwater. You should let this stabilise for one week before adding the fish. If you put a fish straight into a new tank without letting the water acclimitise it can be a shock to it's system. At this point all you can really do is let the fish settle in and don't disturb its tank for a week or so.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Check the water temperature. Goldfish are cold water fish but if the water is too cold, it will affect activity. Aim for a temperature​ between 65 F and 72 F. A sudden change in water temperature can cause shock which may affect his movement also.

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