Infestation - how did it get in the fish tank

[tacal]

I feel awful. My poor goldfish died. Two of them. I had one for three years and one for two years. The tank was only a 64l. I had plans to get them a bigger one once I was settled in my new home. We moved a few months ago and the fish seemed to be fine.

After they died I was too sad to empty the tank so the water was in it for two or three days and then I noticed an insect in the middle of the water. Then I noticed lots of little things - some were clear in colour others black.

What were they? Did I do something to cause it? Did they kill my fish?

I would like to understand what happened. I will not be getting any more fish. I blame myself. I have been busy getting the new house sorted and maybe I didn't look after them as well as I should.

[TreeSparrow]

What killed your fish is not likely to be any infestation (the old, foul water would have attracted bugs after they died).

What killed your fish was inadequate housing. No goldfish can thrive in a 64 litre box. Fancy goldfish need at least 150-200 litres to live in a pair or trio. Common goldfish (which, when not stunted by poor conditions, exceed a foot in length fully grown) need 350-500 litres.

Your fish died from ammonia poisoning I'm afraid. The effect is cumulative.

[tacal]

oh no, that is awful. The pet shop sold me them with a starter tank 14 litres I think it was. I bought a 64 litre thinking that was much better and planned to upgrade again once I realised they needed more.

Why, why , why do pet shops do this? When I was a kid my mum looked after my two goldfish in a tank without a filter and they lived 15 to 20 years. I thought the 64 litre tank was around the same size she had.

I did a 50% water change regularly and tested the water. I though I looked after them well and I varied their diet and gave them plants. I feel so sad.

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your honesty.

[tacal]

[TreeSparrow]

Sorry for your loss. Pet shops are sometimes just ignorant but often they are only out to sell you more fish (or unnecessary medications when they get sick). Most pet shops won't even understand the cycling process a tank should go through before you add fish. It's maddening.