Ammonia Burns Or Natural Colour?

[Stratus]

Hello, everyone!
 
I've been pretty busy lately, but I've kept up on water changes (average 40%). I've visited my local pet stores very frequently during the month, and I've been getting a lot of different answers to my questions. I trust you guys much more than the employees, as I've noticed when I ask questions about certain bottles, they read it and say "Hmmm..." for a few minutes before they give me a half-guessed answer.
 
I have the API Freshwater testing kit that I haven't used yet due to reading the instructions carefully... especially those "harmful and corrosive" warnings. I'm not a fan of chemicals, but I read on here that it's better than the test strips. Any tips on using the product as safely as possible? I'm a bit hesitant to use them without knowing more. I have gloves and plan to do the tests in a safe area, but maybe it's just the warning labels making it sound worse than it is? Anyone who can enlighten me on the kit would be of most help.
 
Now for the more concerning bit. My sister's fish, Larry, has been in his tank now for 20 days (intro post here), and has developed black markings/spots/blotches. He's acting normal, swims and eats as usual, but they seem to be developing quicker than normal? When we got him, he was white/orange, now the black's developed over the past week-and-a-half or so. I googled "goldfish black spots" and found out about ammonia burns, in which the black means it's healing, but that doesn't mean the ammonia's low. I did the latest water change on the 20th (40%), and plan another for either tonight or tomorrow. I asked about it to employees, and they said it could just be natural colour forming, but I just feel the rate of the black forming is too quick? I really don't know what to think.
 
I've attached pictures to see if you guys can help identify what's going on. My gut says ammonia burns. I'm planning to do a water test tonight or tomorrow. I tried to get the best photos I could. Just a side note, his fins are all there, even though the photos may make it look like parts/chunks are missing; it's just bad lighting/wrong exposure/slow shutter.
 
If it is ammonia (or even something else), what's the best treatment? I was suggested API Stress Coat by a pet store employee, but the guy who suggested it read the bottle first and went, "Uh yeah, this should work." I also asked about Tetra SafeStart, and he didn't know what it was.

 No one at the store seemed to have a good idea on what to do other than water changes, but if there's something else I can buy to help him out while I continue the water changes, I'll definitely go right out and get it.
 
Thanks everyone!

 

[BelldandyShanny]

honestly I can't tell, I'd say natural color, but really I can't tell

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hi, believe you're correct to doubt LFS advice especially the way you describe them going 'hmm' for a min then giving guessing answers. Anyone worth their salt will know straightaway what their products will do, so take their advice with a large dose of salt!
 
Anyway, using API liquid test kit has not presented any problems for me at all, I use the same kit, never worn gloves or anything like that and do the testing in my kitchen with no issues at all whatsoever.
 
Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine am sure.
 
As for your query about if your fish has ammonia burns, I am unable to tell until you test the water with your API kit, especially ammonia and nitrite readings.
 
So, as soon as you can, do the tests and post the results here and then we'll take it from there.
 
By the way, i have not read the other thread you mentioned yet but is your tank cycled? By the sounds of things, probably not and do continue with your good work of your water changes routine.
 
Oh, and by the way 

 

[b3cca]

If there is any ammonia or nitrite in there then you need to do some large partial water changes.
 
Even if you only suspect it, then doing some daily larger partial water change over the next few days to be on the safe side as will do no harm.
using ammo lock type chemicals will probably make your test readings innacurate and PWC are the easiest and best way to reduce it anyways i would imagine.
 
No idea what chemicals are in the kits, but you simply squeeze drips out from the bottle into the tubes. If you're careful none will ever need come in contact with your skin.
I'm sure thousands of messy kids worldwide use them and regularly spill it on themselves with no ill effects.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

just don't breathe them in, that's probably just as bad if not worse than skin contact

 

[Stratus]

Hey, guys! First off, thanks for all of your input. I went to PetSmart to get the water tested, and I showed the photos to a different employee, for which they weren't sure either.
 
Ch4rlie: Awesome! Thanks so much for that. I'll be sure to be careful when I use it either way, but it's good to know you haven't had issues. I went to the store to get the free testing, and they use the strips. They gave me the pH and ammonia, and said "the rest was normal". They were about to close so I didn't really ask more on those, but the pH was between the 7.4 - 8.4 colour reading, and the ammonia was at 0.5. I was told the 0.5 was good and to leave the pH as is and just let things do their thing.
 
And yeah, it wasn't a fishless cycle. It was set up on the 1st, I think. Ran for 36 hours without fish, and then Larry went into the tank on the 3rd. I don't know how established any bacteria are in the tank. I have a bottle of Tetra SafeStart that I've been indecisive about putting in (after doing a PWC), but the directions are a bit vague and I don't want to add anything to the tank that doesn't need to be there. Yeah, a PWC is coming tomorrow! And thanks for the welcome 

 
b3cca: Yep, ammonia is at 0.5 and I didn't get the nitrate levels other than being told "normal". Yeah, PWC take it right out thank goodness, and I don't mind doing them every other day/few days. That's very true! It's good to know others use it/know about it. I'll be doing a PWC and water test tomorrow.
 
BelldandyShanny: Yeah, exactly. It has a warning about a toxic gas, which was my biggest concern! It's better to be safe than sorry, but I'll be sure to re-read the directions before using it.
 
Thanks again, everyone, for the help.
 
With the water test results from tonight, I don't know if that helps anyone get an idea if it is ammonia burns or just colour. I'll be doing the API master kit test tomorrow, and will reply with those full results!

 

[daizeUK]

Hi Stratus,
Regarding the API kit, I used gloves for the first couple of times I used it.  The worst one is bottle #2 on the ammonia test which you should try not to let it touch you.  Once I got the hang of doing the tests it became second nature and I don't bother with the gloves any more as I trust my hands to be steady while I pour the drops!   I still try not to breathe the fumes in when I rinse the tube in the sink afterwards, they won't do you any good.
 
0.5ppm is about the maximum you want ammonia to reach, especially if you suspect ammonia burns.  I would do a 50% water change to get it down to 0.25ppm, then use that Tetra Safestart!  No point having it sitting around when you've got a fish that could benefit from it. 

 

[betta fish]

Hi, the fish is a Shubunkin, and the black markings are perfectly natural pigmentation 

 nice fish, I think if there was enough ammonia in the water to actually burn the fish you would be able to tell right away, the fish would be sluggish with heavy breathing not eating etc your fish looks very healthy to me.