Fish skim top of water for air, mouth turns rotted looking, they turn pale then die.?

[ReneeH]

Ok this is my 3rd fish to die like this but this big one didn't turn pale. I have a freshwater tank w/heater, glowfish, barbs, tetras, my giant danio just died, i know when they are gonna die cause they skim the top like they are needing air, within hours they're dead. i have a filter system and did a partial water change yesterday,but have had them die when the water was established awhile, this doesn't seem to be ich because i don't see any white spots, i also used some clarifier, don't think that hurt them do you? now like 4 of my fish have started doing this, any suggestions?

[Kierstien]

Goldfish should be kept with goldfish, not tropicals.

Your fish are most likely suffering from ammonia poisoning due to the fact that goldfish excrete large amounts of ammonia.

You should do a 50% water change, and take those goldies out of that tank.

You didnt say how big your tank was, or how many of each you have, but it sounds to me like it's overcrowded which will also make the ammonia levels rise very quickly.

Water change, remove goldfish, check parameters, possibly repeat the water change the next day 50% again, the best way to decrease ammonia is through water changes. DO NOT USE CHEMICALS TO DO THIS!!!!!

Hope this helps