Why is my goldfish frantic in 5-gal tank, spitting food, high ammonia?

Question

I recently got my goldfish (very small) and I put him in a 5 gallon tank (new tank with conditioned water and filter). He swims around very fast and up and down the tank walls. When I feed him flakes, he chews really quickly and then spits it out. I can’t tell if he actually eats anything. The ammonia levels are a little high (3.0) so I put in some ammonia fixer. All the other tests seem normal. Is there anything else I can do? Pet's info: Fish | Gold Fish

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about Goldie. There are two concerns here: (1) not apparently eating and (2) high ammonia. For the appetite, try to note if there is feces. If feces, then eating. If appear getting thinner, then not eating enough. For the second problem, this is probably new tank syndrome, and not allowing the biological filter to establish. Water changes are needed to bring down the ammonia as that is toxic to the fish and damaging to the gills. Probably the reason for the frantic swimming. Good luck.

Why is my goldfish frantic in 5-gal tank, spitting food, high ammonia?

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