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My goldfish's fins are turning black. I changed the whole water 2 days back. I put medicine after every water change. Still it's increasing. What should I do? And how often should I change the water and amount of water I should change? Can we substitute aquarium salt with any other things.

My goldfish's fins are turning black. I changed the whole water 2 days back. I put medicine after every water change. Still it's increasing. What should I do? And how often should I change the water and amount of water I should change? Can we substitute aquarium salt with any other things.

Updated On October 19th, 2017

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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Elevated ammonia levels can result in "burns" which may turn fins and scales black. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a nominal fee. If ammonia levels are elevated, daily partial water changes, using aged or conditioned water, can decrease ammonia to safe levels (0.25 ppm or less). StressCoat or plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can aid in healing. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water into a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Confirm adequate filtration. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You can change 20-30% of the tank water every couple of weeks. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.

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