Class E Symptoms
Goldfish Symptoms: Goldfish is in distress; Goldfish is bottom sitting; Goldfish has no appetite; Goldfish not eating; Goldfish is curled; Goldfish has bent position; Goldfish folded over; Goldfish is crooked; Goldfish is swimming somersaults; Goldfish is swimming in circles; Goldfish appears sunken; Goldfish appears concaved
The symptoms above are most commonly caused by high nitrate levels or reducing nitrate levels too quickly. Nitrates, a toxin found only in a cycled tank or pond are deadly to goldfish and humans alike in high amounts, oxidizing the iron atoms in hemoglobin, reducing oxygen the supply to the blood stream and tissue. This condition is called Methemoglobinemia. Goldfish that have nitrate issues prefer deep water. The added water pressure reduces the pressure caused by nitrates
Similar symptoms are caused by supersaturated gases (concentrated amounts of oxygen) found in tap water
Read about supersaturated gases
The preferred maximum nitrate levels are12 ppm
Reduce nitrate levels gradually to reduce the risk of further injury. Goldfish that been injured from nitrates prefer deeper water conditions, so fill your tank or pond to the brim to relieve pressure
Perform small (5%) water changes to keep water table as full as possible
Use cold water from the tap with each water change; gradually lowering temperatures and nitrate levels. Goldfish are less susceptible to high nitrates in colder temperatures because they use less oxygen; 54f to 64 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended during recovery period. This can be accomplished by using colder water with each fresh water change; cranking up the air conditioner; pointing a fan at the tank and placing frozen pop bottles in front of it, or chill some tank water in the fridge; the colder the better
Test for nitrates in tap water
After nitrates are lowered, use this remedy to repair blood cells Mean Green Remedy
Because nitrates rob the blood of oxygen, oxygen levels in the tank or pond water must be increased to improve condition
Read and learn the 10 Steps to Goldfish Koi Keeping
Follow the instructions found here 911 Freshwater Change
Read this article and follow instructions for treatment
If you do have high nitrates in your tank all of the fish are being affected; some more sensitive than others
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Author: Brenda Rand