About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question I'm using a "Mardel LiveMeter Master Test Kit" in a two-week old aquarium...
the NH side of the meter has a strip that should show ONE of various shades FROM yellow to blue. (from 0 to toxic levels of ammonia)
The meter I have, (AND the one I returned to the store because it did the same thing as this one), is showing yellow TO blue all on one strip at the same time, so I'm unable to know WHAT reading is correct.
Have you heard of this problem before with this product?
What should I do?
Can you recommend a more reliable test or monitor for my tank?
Also, one of my two "feeder" goldfish started out two weeks ago as primarily silver/gold with some black markings, and is becoming more and more black.
What is the cause?
Should I be worried?
If so, what should I do?
Thanks,
diane
Answer Hi Diane
I'm not familiar with that test kit, so looked it up real quick....and I don't know what to make of it lol....I would return it and I recommend this kit:
It's cheaper on that site, runs about 30. at the store. So what I do when ordering from that site, think shipping and handling is about 9.00 for up to a certain $ amount, I just buy enough pet supplies to make the shipping cost worth it.
And it has all the tests you'll need-ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, and if you have it-high ph. Ph you don't want to concern yourself with too much, just make sure it's staying stable. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm and nitrates kept under 20 ppm-for a completely cycled tank.
Black markings on goldfish is generally a sign of ammonia burns. The black is actually the healing stage though, so the ammonia may have passed or it may have occured at the pet store if they're recently bought. It should stay there and gradually disappear over a few weeks time.
