How To Handle Ammonia or Nitrite Poisoning In Goldfish

Q: I have nine goldfish, and keep them in a 4-foot tank. On and off, they get red veins on their tails and blister-like red patches on the underside of their bodies. At times their tails have white spots and are slightly torn.

I have tried different medicines, and even dabbed salt onto their bodies. Their condition usually improves after medication but only for a couple of days. I replace half the tank with fresh water every two days and make complete water changes when the water looks a little cloudy. Am I doing anything wrong?

The signs you’ve described are consistent with ammonia or nitrite poisoning.

Goldfish eat and excrete a lot. As a result, waste gets built up fast in the water, and can result in ammonia and nitrite accumulation. The water condition deteriorates, thus poisoning the goldfish directly, introducing stress and making them more susceptible to disease. Sometimes, decomposed leftover food also contributes to the problem.

What you should do is to make partial water changes instead. Do not wait till the water is cloudy to do so. And never overfeed your fish. It may take a while to see results, but a strict regime of good water maintenance will solve the water quality problem. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

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