My baby oranda goldfish are stressed. Should I turn off tank light?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I have two baby oranda goldfish that are very stressed, they live with two other baby orandas that are normal, the four of them share a 37 gallon aquarium together. Should I turn off the tank light to reduce some stress?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 18th, 2020
To a degree yes. I recommend to have at least 6 hours of light a day. Do watch for any lesions on the skin. Ick and fungal infections can make fish lethargic or can be opportunistic infections when fish are stressed. Also make sure you are feeding a gold fish specific diet. You will also need a larger tank as they grow but right now they may be ok. In general, 1inch of fish needs 1 gallon of water. Gold fish are pretty 'dirty' as fish go so make sure you have a good filtration system. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 18th, 2020
You can use a product called Stress Coat which can help keep the slime film healthy. You also need to make sure the water condition is good and you can get water samples tested at pet shops (call first to check). Make sure to keep the tank in an area away from sudden loud noises and drastic temperature changes. Keep objects in the tank for the fish to hide. This link may also help: https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I have two baby oranda goldfish that are really stressed out, how can I reduce their stress at home, thank you.
You can use a product called Stress Coat which can help keep the slime film healthy. You also need to make sure the water condition is good and you can get water samples tested at pet shops (call first to check). Make sure to keep the tank in an area away from sudden loud noises and drastic temperature changes. Keep objects in the tank for the fish to hide. This link may also help: https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, i got 2 new fish yesterday. Ryukin fish, and they are very stressed I think. They mostly just sit in one corner but only swim when it's dark and no one is around. I have a filter tank, and a led light that also makes bubbles. How can I de-stress
They need a much larger tank. A 20 gallon tank (properly cycled) suffice for several months. When full grown, a minimum 55-60 gallon tank with adequate filtration will be necessary for healthy fish. For now, maintain water quality via filtration and weekly partial water changes. These fish do best at temps between 65 F and 72 F but can tolerate colder temperatures as long as temperature swings are not too rapid.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I'm really scared because I went to my boyfriends parents house and I left my sister to look after my 7 Fish and she sent me a photo and I saw (HEAPS) of food layers on the to and I had to cut my holiday short my 11 days and I get back to sad babi
Check the water chemistry to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. You can do this using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Perform partial water changes (no more than 30% total volume at a time) to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. If all 7 fish are goldfish, a large tank is strongly recommended. The general rule is 20 gallons for the first fish and 10 additional gallons per extra fish. This is due to the goldfish producing a larger than average bio load (wastes) which can quickly overwhelm a small tank. Check the water temperature as well. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F (18.3 C) and 72 F (22.2 C). The use of antibiotics or other medications would not be recommended in the absence of symptoms of illness or infection. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I used to have 7 Fish 2 gold comet Fish 2 Comet silver Fish and 3 Shubunkins one Gold Comet Fish died and the gold comet Fish that didn't die is now pecking at my other Fish and it looks soooooooooooo annoying please help xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxox love Foxi
This could be due to having a tank that is too small. 6 goldfish in one tank poses several potential issues. Ideally, 1 fish should have a 20 gallon tank with an additional 10 gallons provided per extra fish. This would mean they should be in at least a 70-75 gallon tank. The reason being goldfish produce a larger than average bio-load (wastes) that can quickly overwhelm a small tank and filter. Poor water quality can lead to stress and infection as well as behavioral issues. Depending on their sizes, the present tank could be overstocked leading to bullying and fin nipping. Check the water quality and chemistry. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes, if indicated, to stabilize chemistry and maintain or improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I noticed my two fancy goldfish are lethargic, one is small ryukin, and other is oranda. They stay at the bottom of the tank. furthermore, their bellies are swollen, and their tails are droopy; the two fish are not active like other six fish in a 50
They may be bloated or constipated from the overfeeding. Fast them for 1-2 days then offer bits of shelled green peas. Once they begin defecating normally, you can switch back to a flake or pelleted diet. Check the water quality. Goldfish produce a heavy bio-load. This, in addition to 6 other fish, may be overburdening your filter. Water quality will suffer. Ammonia and nitrite levels, if elevated, can be toxic and cause the symptoms you are seeing. A properly cycled and filtered tank should have 0 ppm (parts per million) ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 40 ppm or less. Water changes and/or chemical treatment may be indicated to correct imbalances. The filter should be one that can handle twice the volume of the tank. Another consideration would be increasing the tank size or removing fish. The tank may be overcrowded now which will can stress fish.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, as I have been observing my new baby oranda goldfish, two out of the four I have received four days ago spend MOST of their time at the bottom of the tank, all four babies live in a 37 gallon aquarium together. When it is mealtime, all four of
Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. If water quality is perfect, stress could be a concern. The fish might be determining hierarchy and these two are low on the totem pole. Providing more hiding spaced could help. Look over their bodies for signs of external parasites. If noted, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Rory has something on it's head. Should I be worried? Or is it normal?
It could be an infection or tumor. An infection may be resolved with proper treatment but you would need to get Rory and the other fish out of that small bowl. It is much too small for one goldfish, let alone three. Goldfish need large tanks because they produce larger than normal amounts of waste. Ideally, 1 goldfish should have a 20 gallon tank. Add an additional 10 gallons per extra fish. That would mean you need at least a 40 gallon tank. You also need a filter in there. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. To keep them in a small bowl will drastically shorten their lifespan and could lead to stress and illnesses.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
How do I know when my goldfish tank is to small for the goldfish
Ideally, one goldfish should have 20 gallons of water. The reason being that goldfish produce a larger than average bio-load (wastes) than other fish. One fish can quickly overwhelm a small tank and filter. If you have a smaller tank, use a home test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. When ammonia or nitrites begin to rise, it is time to perform a partial water change.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
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 curr
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
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Two of the fish fins are clamping down close to their body. I did 75% water change and hopefully they will get better. I do not have the water testing kit. Will buy soon. Is there any ways to get them better? I could see some of their scales are off.
Goldfish need powerful filtration. Your filter should be rated for at least twice the tank volume. Once you get a test kit, check the chemistry. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at about 40ppm. Use a kit that has liquid reagents, not strips. The liquid kit is more accurate. The pH should range between 7.2-7.6. Being cold water fish, goldfish thrive between 65F and 72F. You can dissolve 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water to use as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition of your fish. When performing partial water changes, treat only the volume of water being replaced not the entire tank volume. Change no more than 30% of the volume at a time. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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