Pink, cloudy water...

[JMack]

I've got a 5-Gallon tank with two goldfish. Tank has been fine for about 5 months and I have not changed anything.

In the last few days the water has taken on a pinkish tint and is definitely getting cloudier.

Is there a reason for this?

Thanks

[Algenco]

yes, overcrowding, do some big water changes, and do them often

[Sharon]

Ditto....and make plans to get a bigger tank, soon.:ssmile:

[Northernguy]

I do agree with both.
Here is some info on your fish.
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[Northernguy]

Also, when was your last water change?









Turk! Sorry about the double post! lol:hmm3grin2orange:

[JMack]

Thanks. That's what I thought. It just surprised me that it happened all of a sudden. One night the tank is fine, the next you can barely see the fish for the cloudiness.

I've been doing 1-2 water changes a week, though now I'm doing more to help clear up the water until I can get a bigger (probably 20G) tank ASAP.

[Lab_Rat]

Check your local craigslist for tanks for sale. Usually you can find some really good deals. Try to get as big of a tank as you can, you didn't say what kind of goldfish you have, but 20g really isn't going to be big enough in the long run for most types.

[Northernguy]

Have you tested your perameters lately?

[megastealer]

Alright! Goldfish! My favorite type of fish actually. (you might be able to guess)

As others have said, this is largely due to a 5 gallon tank being less than half of what even just one gold fish needs.

I have done worse to goldfish though, and most people are unaware of the space goldfish need to be healthy.

Do you happen to know what type of goldfish you have? Even the difference between a "common" goldfish and a "fancy" goldfish can be the difference between a 1 foot fish and a 6 inch fish.

However if you have had them in that tank for weeks or months, the sad fact is that they are going to be weak for the rest of their lives, and will be lucky to make it even a year before they die, whereas a goldfish lifespan could easily be 10 years.

You might be able to get away with a 20 gallon tank for them, and it would honestly be a better home than most people give their fish. Really though, a 29 gallon is the minimum for two goldfish.

Despite this, if you have extra filtration (such as two aquaclear 50s), live plants, and a good water change schedule, you may be able to have healthy goldfish in a 20 gallon.. it will just be a lot more work than a bigger tank.

Good luck, and keep asking questions! :ssmile:

[JMack]

OK, thanks for the info. Doing 1-2 big water changes a week and the quality of the water has improved and seems to have stabilized.

Scouring Craig's List for a bigger tank, so hopefully they will have a better home soon.

When I move the fish to a bigger tank, what's teh best way to prep that tank?

[Northernguy]

Take half the media from your filter and place it the new filter after the tank is cleaned and filled.let it run for an hour and transfer the fish.Once the fish are in the new tank,put both filters on it.
Watch for a small ammonia spike!
That is if you have a fully cycled tank to work from.If not do a fishless cycle.

[JMack]

The fish have been in the small tank for about 5 months, so I don't think the cyling will be a problem. I'll transfer some filter media. What about gravel? Should I replace with new, use from existing tank or does it not matter?