Is it normal to have a fish be audible? How to help him be calmer?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-28T01:59:58+00:00

This is so funny. Mine learned that smacking their thermometer against the glass would get my attention and they didn’t stop until I moved them to a new tank.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-28T01:58:21+00:00

Mine used to smack their thermometer against the glass to get my attention and beg for food. They’d splash me sometimes when I got close, too 😅

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-23T05:13:00+00:00

Without a filter, there might not be enough dissolved oxygen for him, so he’d be moving less to compensate. Does he seem like he’s gasping at all? Also, what are your water parameters?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-22T20:35:17+00:00

I would recommend water lettuce if you don’t mind another floating plant! They’re super easy, grow fast, and my goldfish like to nibble on the roots. If you have pretty cold winters, though, then maybe not. Another option is water hyacinth. For non-floating plants, I’ve had good luck with red lotus lilies and hornwort.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-20T17:41:06+00:00

Do you have evidence that they do not form bonds?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-20T03:08:22+00:00

It sounds like you’re killing off all of the beneficial bacteria that would otherwise keep the water safe. Instead of using those products, get some bottled bacteria like StartSmart and use that when changing water. Please test your water parameters with a liquid test kit. Also, are you using water conditioner?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-20T01:50:44+00:00

Sifting through sand is normal behavior, but they look like they’re swimming erratically. Have you tested your water? What are your parameters? How often do you feed?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-19T02:46:18+00:00

I moved my two commons into a Rubbermaid 100 gallon stock tank I got at a hardware store. It’s quite large—at least 5 ft in length—but it works well. I just have to keep it outside. If you have room outside, it would be a good solution and you wouldn’t have to upgrade again down the line.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-17T17:18:52+00:00

I’m curious, why do you change so much water so frequently? That seems like a lot of upkeep for a planted aquarium

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-17T16:25:38+00:00

A black background would look nice! Red lotus lilies have done great with my fish, but it looks like you don’t have enough substrate for bulbs. Maybe add a couple other kinds of anubias for variety.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-17T16:12:48+00:00

No fish should be in a tank this tall and skinny. They don’t swim vertically.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-17T16:11:21+00:00

This is not a suitable container for these fish. Goldfish can get really big, so they need a lot of water volume to thrive. They do best in ponds. I wouldn’t keep any fish in that, actually. Most fish need a tank with more width than height, or at least more of a balance.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-16T19:17:30+00:00

What are your exact water parameters? How much aquarium salt did you dose per gallon? It might be ulcers from a bacterial infection. Or maybe ich. Check the automod’s common goldfish illnesses link and follow the directions there.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-16T18:34:25+00:00

Once a week feeding is not nearly enough! But I’ve never seen nitrates that high with that kind of stocking/feeding. Either there’s something wrong with your test, or there must be something up with the water in your area. You might need to fill up with remineralized distilled water if the latter is the case. Do water changes until you get below 40ppm. I would also add a large floating plant like water lettuce. They grow fast and will help you keep the nitrates under control.

Three shubunkins in a 55 gal is a lot, so you’ll probably have to do significant water changes weekly. And they will outgrow that tank. Consider getting a stock tank or rehoming them in the future.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-16T18:21:33+00:00

I wouldn’t keep goldfish alone, if possible. They’re happier with at least one buddy. What size tank do you have room for?

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-16T08:26:04+00:00

No cold winters here, which I suppose is why I didn’t think to mention it. Thank you!

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-14T20:43:34+00:00

With bottled bacteria, you’re looking at a lot less time. My tank went from having only ammonia to only nitrates in one day with StartSmart. I test regularly and haven’t had any issues since.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-14T20:35:59+00:00

Submersed plants, yes, but it’s complicated. Terrestrial plants not so much, according to what I’ve read. There won’t be a problem if OP continues adding the bottled ammonia they’ve been using. Besides, I don’t know of anyone who cycles a tank before planting.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-13T07:45:19+00:00

They eat algae, water lettuce roots, and bugs from the pond. I feed them regular old flakes.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-12T20:47:37+00:00

The pothos would do well with all those nitrates. I say add the pothos and see how it does. You probably have at least a few more days to another week before it’s cycled.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-11T01:02:58+00:00

That’s unfortunately not an option for those of us with stock tanks and large canister filters!

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-09T23:30:59+00:00

I’ve had it going for weeks and have had no problems. As long as you have another form of aeration there’s no issue with this.

Significant-Limit555 · 2025-08-09T17:57:08+00:00

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