Question
Hi... I have 4 goldfish and a bottom feeder they have done great in the past and they have always been  healthy. Recently I moved so they did too. I have well water so when I changed there tank I used that. Also when my brother came to visit he added one he won at a fair. Two days later that fish died. Ever since all of the fish stay at the bottom. They will not even come to the top when I feed them or turn on their light. I feel so bad it also seems that they have white specks on them and that their color is fading. Can you please help me???
Thanks in advance..
Christina

Answer
I'm sorry about your fish.  It sounds like they have white spot or ick.  It most likely came from the fish from the fair.  Goldfish won at fairs are normally "feeder fish" who were treated horribly.  They usually have some parasite, bacteria, and/or fungus problem.  Whenever you get new fish, you should quarantine them because now that poor beaten up fish from the fair has made your other fish sick.  Not only do they have ick, but they could have other problems such as bad bacteria.  If you search the internet for "treating ick and fish," you should get a ton of web sites about treating ick.

I suggest treating your fish with aquarium salt (a tablespoon per 5 gallons), MelaFix, perhaps an antibiotic (like Maracyn by Mardel) since they are listless, and a medication that says it kills ick such as Aquarisol.  If your bottom feeder is a catfish, it may be harmed by some ick medications so that's a risk.  

Also, see http://www.fishpondinfo.com/fishcare/treat.htm

How big is your tank?  How big are your 4 goldfish?  What kind of "bottom feeder" do you have?  Is your new water source a well or your old one?  I have well water myself.

I hope your remaining fish recover!  Good luck!

Robyn