New Member

Posts: 3
From:London, UK
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-08-2004 06:24 AM         

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My gold fish, Chico, has been happy and single for three years. However, this morning, I noticed that he has become discoloured. His head is still quite orange, but the rest of his body has suddenly become much paler than usual...his behaviour doesn't seem to have changed. Still eating and swimming. Any ideas would be much appreciated...(he is my first fish, so I am very inexperienced in these matters)...Henry

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Posts: 58
From:Northern California
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-08-2004 06:53 AM         

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how is the water? clean temp etc etc and/or
any changes in any of them

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Posts: 3
From:London, UK
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-08-2004 08:51 AM         

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OK...this sympton occured while Chico was in a smaller tank I use when I'm changing the water in his main bowl. I leave him in this smaller tank for 24 hours while the fresh water in his main bowl returns to room temperature. This smaller tank sits around in a back room until I change his water, about once a month. I don't use any dechlorinating chemicals, never have (and he's had no problem in three years). Here's another thing...his one plant had been going yellow for a few weeks and I recently chucked it out and haven't replaced it yet. Apart from that...no changes. Ah...one other thing, he was moved quite near to a radiator about two weeks ago...could that be a problem? Thanks!!!

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posted 01-08-2004 09:05 PM         

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Hi henrypaker, If you've kept your first fish for 3 years you're hardly inexperienced. My first tank of fish lasted about 4 weeks. I didn't know about cycling then, and apparently most of the shops I went to didn't either. With Chico I really wouldn't at this point suspect anything other than stress since his behavior is unchanged. You have three major changes going on with him. First you have a complete water change which alters all of the parameters of his water, PH, ammonia, nitrites, and hardness. Second you have a complete change in his surroundings, the loss of his favorite plant. Third the movement of his tank closer to a radiator which has probably increased the water temperature. Try going to partial water changes (about 20%) once a week. Try to locate another plant like his favorite, and third try to get him back to where he was located before. The water temperature will get back to normal and he will have the surrounding he is accustomed to. I think you will find that his colors will brighten back up.

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Posts: 3
From:London, UK
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-12-2004 07:13 AM         

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Thank you kc5gvn!!! I have taken all your advice points, and time will tell if CHico regains his colour. He does seem happier already though, with another plant and back in his old position. I will bring in your gradual 20% water change system too....although I'm thinking a total change is also appropriate every now and then? Thanks again...

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