Sonic is a beautiful veiltail goldfish who belongs to a relative of mine. He was originally bought as a pet for her 6 year old daughter who is now 10 and disinterested. He's kept in a two foot tank and at a guess I'd say he's four years old and about 5 - 6 inches long (including tail). He's fed twice daily with Tetraflake and that's it, no more attention. I understand that this is probably down to ignorance (I didn't have a clue myself until I joined this forum) and its only since I've recently started keeping fish that I've begun to take a bit more notice of him and his behaviour. He spends most of his time resting on the floor of the tank underneath the filter housing (a Fluval 4) looking downwards and barely moving unless he's being fed and then he swims to the top. I've pointed it out to her before and she said 'He likes it down there, he always does it.' It just kept bothering me so much that today, as I knew I was babysitting for her youngest, I took my kit with me and tested the water.

The PH is 7.5, Ammonia was at 0.50, Nitrite was at 1.0 and Nitrates were off the chart at over 140. I did a quick check of the Fluval and found that it had no filter media in it at all so its basically just pumping the same water round. At a bit of a loss with no time to do a water change I did dump two capsful of Prime in the tank.

I mentioned all this to my relly and offered her some filter media if she got a sponge for it but she dismissed it as her husband's territory not hers. The poor thing's neglected and I'm convinced nothing will be done for him. I go in there most days and I'm pretty sure I could do a water change but is there anything else I can do? Goldies aren't my territory and I can think of no better help than asking here. I feel bad that I haven't done anything for him before now but I'm hoping I can do something with your help. Love and best wishes, L x

Your suggestion of filter media was the right one but idealy he needs to be rehomed to somebody who will care for him.

Did she understand when you explained the test results?

JON

Hi Jon, I just said 'his water's highly toxic because he's poisoned by his own waste' and then explained a little bit about the nitrogen cycle. Her eyes glazed over lol. I don't think they see him as important at all.

Hi Laura

Its always awkward when friends or relatives aren't looking after fish properly.

If the child has lost interest it may be better to try and rehome the fish if the relatives don't seem that interested. He must be a strong fish to survive the conditions for so long.

Adding the Prime was a good move. And offering the media and water change was kind but if they aren't interested in keeping the maintenance up it seems a pointless effort on your part.

My advice would be to print off some of the care advice in the pinned topics at the top of this forum, basically explaining the effects bad water can have and what is the best way to care for goldfish...possibly print off about lying on the tank floor not being normal as well.

Ask them to read it and if they don't want to get involved then suggest rehoming him somewhere. Sell it to them as reducing their workload and improving the fish's life.

If they agree to rehome him then we can help you to find him a new home by giving you details of rehoming services etc.

Hi Beanikki, I agree he must be a real toughie. I'm assuming something must be on the gravel (its there but a bit sparse) that's cycling at least something. It does seem a bit pointless to just do maintenance as and when I can and its not what he deserves. I'm seeing her again Thursday so I'll broach the subject again then.

I'm glad the Prime may have done some good anyway and if they can be persuaded to let him go to a good home I'll be asking for more help for him

Thanks for your help x

Sonic's nitrate level was at 80 today so I did another water change and added Prime. I also vaccuumed the gravel and removed a couple of jagged ornaments because of his tail. Sadly, I found a pretty large piece of fin on the floor of the tank (about 2.5 inches long and with a lot of red veins at one end) and his fins and tail in general are ragged. What do I do next guys? His owners are pleased with his progress so far today and seemed very interested in helping him

Show them some pics/vids of beautiful big fancies tanks, drop some hints about how beautiful one would look in their house and some info about amazing deals on cheap tanks on ebay/gumtree. Make it seem like their idea and give them loads of help, signoposting to resources. We were all ignorant at one point, sounds like you're getting them excited about sonic again. Maybe feeding some live bloodworm or something will interest them too. Good luck!

Some melafix to help with healing tail, and maybe one of the children's ammonia alerts that say 'fine', 'change water' and 'get help now' ?

I'd also have a kidnap back up plan if poss ...

Good on you for improving his quality of life already

Thanks so much for the advice and support guys - his owner bought him some new gravel today, a testing kit and a bottle of Prime! Its a start! I'll recommend Melafix next and I'm working on the tank thing too

Thats great news. Sounds like your having a positive effect on their attitude toward Sonic. Anything in the filter yet? We need to get them interested in the world of bacteria and cycling as well and then Sonic really will be a happy fish

Get them to try feeding him some alternative foods such as part cooked broccoli, or some bloodworm. I think the more they see him respond they'll realise that sitting on the bottom wasn't normal behaviour.

It does sound like you've turned a corner with them though which is brill...pat yourself on the back, you've done a lovely thing for Sonic.