Blind Phoebe

A lot has happened over the past few days.  A LOT.  I just feel like giving a run down of what happened, I guess to chronicle what's going on.  Feel free to interject hysterical "oh God oh God oh God!" moments between each sentence.

On Monday, I found that Phoebe's eyes were gone.  Cogburn had eaten both of them.  I separated her from the main tank and put her in a QT.  She was faring well, but I honestly didn't know if she was going to survive.

Tuesday I came home from school to check on everyone, and found out that Phoebe and Cogburn had been switched.  Why?  Because Cogburn was going after Vide's eyes.  My dad was the one who did the switching, and who I am in eternal gratitude towards.  I can't imagine going through another episode of a traumatized blind fish.  Thankfully, Kokos members offered very helpful advice and support--I don't know what I would do without them.

Phoebe is doing better in the main tank.  Vide and Giovanni (or Giada.  I can't keep her name straight) are ignoring her, which is the absolute best thing they can do.  Cogburn is in the 10 gallon being punished.

Now I have a dilemma of either rehoming Cogburn or buying him a tank all to himself.  I'm leaning towards getting a tank, since there's not many people down here at all that are willing to offer a big tank for one mean goldfish.  I also don't feel good just giving away a $200 fish.

So I'm going to be looking for a 40 gallon tank for him.  I think that would suffice.

Essential Goldfish Shopping List

If you are thinking of owning a fancy goldfish of your own, below is a general list you will need 

This checklist is for ONE adult FANCY goldfish.  Comets, Commons, (Feeder Fish) should have a much bigger setup, preferably a pond.

1. 20+ gallon long tank  Stocking levels for goldfish is 20 gallons for the first fish, 10 gallons for each additional fish.  Decorations, gravel, etc. are optional.
2. A strong filter  Get a filter with 10x the GPH (gallons per hour) of your tank capacity.  (A 30 gallon will need 300gph, a 50 gallon will need 500gph, etc.)  Yes, goldfish really are that messy.
3. Siphon hose or Water changing system (like this)  You'll have to change 50% of the water every week.
4. Bucket 
5. Dechlorinator (like Prime)  Fish can't live in chlorinated water from our tap.  
6. Drop Test Kit (like API)  Testing your water gives you a clear picture of your goldfish's living conditions, and will help immensely in figuring out why your fish is acting sick.  Drop tests are expensive upfront, but last a long time and save you money in the long run.  They're also more accurate than test strips.
7. Pure Salt  Aquarium Salt, pickling salt, sea salt.  As long as there are no other ingredients than SALT listed.  Salt is used to kill parasites (such as ich) or help wounds heal naturally.  It's always good to have some on hand.

[ Important ]

For an easier time, cycle your tank before buying your goldfish.  Here's how you do it.

Quick Reference Salt Dosage

(This is just for me.  I'm tired of forgetting my salt dosages.)

1 TEAspoon per gallon = 0.1% salinity
3 TEAspoons = 1 TABLEspoon


48 TEAspoons = 1 cup
24 TEAspoons = 1/2 cup


16 TABLEspoons = 1 cup
8 TABLEspoons = 1/2 cup

75 gallon dosage Process:

1.5 cup.  Add 3 times over the course of at least 36 hours.  (Afterwards add +6 teaspoons if need be)

75 Gallon after 50% waterchange:

1/4 cup + 1/2 cup

Goldfish Measurin' IV

Now I KNOW that I'm measuring Nano wrong.  In one photo, he's measured to 2.25 inches.  In another, he's exactly 2 inches.  Perhaps the fact that I'm terrible with anything that even vaguely uses numbers has something to do with it...

2.25 inches thanks to ripple distortion?

2 inches.  Clearer, but he's grown shorter?

Here's a side shot of him; at least he's grown height-wise!  And that round oranda face is starting to form

Nano today

About 2 months ago