Is my 5-gallon tank too small for my goldfish? Why are they dying?

Question

Please help!! I have a 5 gallon fish tank starter kit. Water conditioner. Thermometer. And it has a filter. I have bought 3 gold fish all from Walmart. (I know bad idea) and all have died 1 first day. 2nd one the next day. And the third is dying currently :( they swim by the filter and float then have a hard time breathing it looks like and then die. My autistic 5 yr old is devistaed and I don't know what I could be doing wrong. I did research and research and more research!! Help:(. Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

A 5 gallon tank is insufficient for goldfish. They produce a larger than normal bio-load (wastes) that can quickly overwhelm a small tank. Ideally, one goldfish should be in a 20 gallon tank with an extra 10 gallons added per additional goldfish. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. They are likely succumbing to ammonia and/or nitrite toxicity. If you test the water, it is likely both parameters will be dangerously high. Perform a 50% water change. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F. Plain aquarium salt, NOT table or Epsom salt, can be used to reduce stress, improve gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon per gallon in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than 14 days then perform a partial water change to decrease salinity. A 5 gallon tank would be appropriate for one male Betta or a small school of Neons (3-5).

Is my 5-gallon tank too small for my goldfish? Why are they dying?

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