Gunther wrote in message Goldie, btw, is covered in a lot of black spots but seems happy,
eating and swimming. I have not done daily water changes as the levels
seem fine and the water is clear.

Um...bad plan, that. Change that water. Unless Goldie had those
spots when you got him/her, they indicate a probable water problem.
I think I can guarantee that a new, uncycled 1 gallon tank with
an under-gravel filter and a goldfish has very high ammonia levels,
regardless of what test strips might indicate. Do a 50% change
with temperature-matched, de-chlorinated water, just for drill, OK?


Yes, as you suspected, the amonia began to increase (water clarity has
remained excellent now that I reduced feedings to several tiny amounts
durng the day). I've found now that every other day changing out 50%
of the water and replacing it with matched temperature, de-chlor etc'd
water has kept the levels good. BTW, this isn't really that hard given
the size of the tank. Not really a chore. T've been treating the water
with Melafix since I determined the water was initially so badly out
of whack. I hope this is helping, the black continues to spread (I
thought this was a sign of healing and considering the state of her
initial water she probably will be midnight black for a while).

I've found out that my son's preschool has a 10 gall acquarium with
heater, filters etc and that the day care lady is quite a fish
afficionado. I plan to ask her if Goldie can have a new home with her.
My one concern is that the tank currently has three small (1
inch)fancy tail guppies and maybe a Betta (not sure). Will the
goldfish eat these (or conversely, will they eat him?)

Marie