Can't Tell If My Bolivan Ram Has Ich Or Not

[lindabrooke]

Tank size: 65 gallons
pH: 7.6
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5 (just started a new tank)
tank temp: 78/80

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): 4 white dots on bottom fin

Volume and Frequency of water changes: Just set up the new tank yesterday, so so far no water changes

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: none

Tank inhabitants: 1 angel fish, 1 bolivan ram, 1 bala shark, 1 gourami, 2 clown loaches, 2 black skirted tetras

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): no new fish, did add new decorations though

Exposure to chemicals: none

Digital photo (include if possible):
 
I THINK my bolivan ram may have ich but I'm not sure, and I don't want to treat the tank without knowing for sure. I just noticed the 4 white dots yesterday after moving in to the new tank. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Mamashack]

When you say the tank is new, have you cycled the tank before adding fish or used mature media at all?

 

[lindabrooke]

When you say the tank is new, have you cycled the tank before adding fish or used mature media at all?

I didn't have space to have two big tanks running at once so I transferred 1/3 of the old water+filter cartidge.

 

[Mamashack]

So is this an upgrade tank? And if so are have you transferred all the fish from the old tank to the new one?

Might be useful to know what equipment you are using too i.e. tank, filter, heater etc.

 

[lindabrooke]

So is this an upgrade tank? And if so are have you transferred all the fish from the old tank to the new one?

Might be useful to know what equipment you are using too i.e. tank, filter, heater etc.

Correct, went from a 35 hex to a standard 65 gal. Yes, they got transferred yesterday. Like I said, the tank is a 36' 65 gallon. I have a 100 watt heater on one side and a 150 watt on the opposite side. The filter is an Aqueon 75, and I also have a powerhead.

 

[r.w.girard]

So, usually, those white dots, which should be perfectly round, are part of the normal coloring of Bolivian Rams.  
 
http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mikrogeophagus_altispinosus4.JPG
 
Check out this picture. If that is what it is, you're fine.  If it is something else, a clearer picture will be necessary.

 

[lindabrooke]

So, usually, those white dots, which should be perfectly round, are part of the normal coloring of Bolivian Rams.  
 
http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mikrogeophagus_altispinosus4.JPG
 
Check out this picture. If that is what it is, you're fine.  If it is something else, a clearer picture will be necessary.

 
Do you think we have a match? It would be such a relief to know its not ich. After seeing the picture you posted, I don't think it is, but I just want to make sure.

 

[Essjay]

It's definitely part of the natural colouring. I had bolivians a few years ago and that's what the pics of mine looked like, I just checked them.
 
 
And just in case you wondered, that's a female

You can tell by the shape of the breeding tube.

 

[r.w.girard]

Yep. Definitely female. And definitely in breeding condition. And definitely normal fin patterning.

 

[lindabrooke]

Yep. Definitely female. And definitely in breeding condition. And definitely normal fin patterning.

Haha I don't know if I'm advanced enough for the babies! I want to get her a mate because I feel like she's lonely (she always tries to hang out with the bala shark+black skirted tetras) but the thought of babies scare me.

It's definitely part of the natural colouring. I had bolivians a few years ago and that's what the pics of mine looked like, I just checked them.
 
 
And just in case you wondered, that's a female

You can tell by the shape of the breeding tube.

I just wonder why I didn't notice this before, but it's such a relief. I actually got curious a few weeks ago and sexed her (had to make sure I didn't put two males in the tank) and plan on getting her a friend soon. Thanks so much for the help!