On Saturday morning I went in to feed my two goldfish, Lua and Lua, as normal but when I looked in the tank I was really upset to see big Lua lying lifeless at the bottom of the tank. I went straight downstairs to tell Mr S and he went up to see for himself. Luckily, he was more sensible than me and on closer inspection noted that Lua was still breathing.
I really wasn't sure that there was anything we could do for him but I looked up his symptoms on the internet and was surprised to see that this is quite a common thing. I would add at this point that I've had fish off and on throughout my life and that big Lua is about 10 years old - little Lua is about 7.
One of the things that was suggested was to change part of the water and increase the oxygen levels in the tank. I did this and it made no apparent difference. In fact, I had to switch off the big tank filter as the airstream was too strong and poor Lua was pulled along by it.
I then did what anyone would do in the circumstances. I rang my mam and dad!! Dad suggested trying Rescue Remedy - excellent idea (and why didn't I think of it??!!). I went straight up and put 4 drops of Rescue Remedy in the tank, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
The rest of the morning was a bit of a rollercoaster, as Lua seemed to improve slightly, only to end up back at the bottom of the tank. the good thing, though, was that he was now upright, rather than lying on his side.
Later on, we went up to check on him and he was making attempts to swim, with little Lua nudging him from below to try and help him. Later on still, we found both fish on the bottom of the tank lying close together. Little Lua's fins were down and he looked so miserable. It was a very touching sight (and they say fish have no brains and no feelings??)
We went to the pet shop for advice and the man was extremely nice, offering some extremely helpful tips, which we said we would try when we got home. However, when we went upstairs again, we found Lua making attempts to swim! It didn't last long and he soon floated down to the bottom again but it was a major improvement on how he had been earlier!!
Rather than bothering the fish with putting the lights off and on, once it was dark we left them alone and hoped for the best for the morning! When I went in to check the next morning, I couldn't believe what I was seeing - both Luas were gliding majestically around in their tank with their tails out and fins up, like nothing had ever happened!! What a relief!!
I still don’t know what was wrong with him but he seems completely back to normal. Maybe Rescue Remedy is magic? Who knows but I'm just thankful that my lovely fishy is better!
