My tank is fully cycled, Ammonia and Nitrite 0 with Nitrate about ten.
Last week after fishlessly cycling I added 7 Pseudotropheus Acei and 8 Synodontis Petricola Catfish. Everything in my tank is stable.
Had a minor scare last week when I noticed what I thought may be an Ich white spot on the 'cheek' of one of the Acei. I only saw this briefly, and when looking again didn't see anything.
Anyhow yesterday my Acei spawned, and whilst watching the tank for ten to fifteen minutes noticed two of my Acei flicking and rubbing against stones and gravel. This was only once every three or four minutes but was a bit concerned.
I now have Waterlife's Protozin 'just in case'. None of the fish have white spots but the flicking has increased slightly. I'm guessing this will turn out to be Ich. Physically, not one of the fish is displaying any sign of disease be it spots or patches of slime. I have a few questions:
1) Should I treat the tank with Protozin now to help 'nip it in the bud'. Or should I wait to see actual spots or a diagnosable sign of Ich? I see Protozin treats for various parasites.
2) In my filter is a kind of black sponge. Will these be carbon sponge and it is a second hand tank and I have never been told what it is. Should I remove it just in case?
3) As I have Synos I assume these are scaleless. Therefore will be be ok on full dose or should I go with half dose in the tank if I do add Protozin?
4) Lastly I have a female holding eggs now that they spawned yesterday. Is this likely to disrupt the birth? Infact am I better of stripping the female of her eggs as she will be likely be weak with being unable to eat much over the next three weeks when holding.
Last week after fishlessly cycling I added 7 Pseudotropheus Acei and 8 Synodontis Petricola Catfish. Everything in my tank is stable.
Had a minor scare last week when I noticed what I thought may be an Ich white spot on the 'cheek' of one of the Acei. I only saw this briefly, and when looking again didn't see anything.
Anyhow yesterday my Acei spawned, and whilst watching the tank for ten to fifteen minutes noticed two of my Acei flicking and rubbing against stones and gravel. This was only once every three or four minutes but was a bit concerned.
I now have Waterlife's Protozin 'just in case'. None of the fish have white spots but the flicking has increased slightly. I'm guessing this will turn out to be Ich. Physically, not one of the fish is displaying any sign of disease be it spots or patches of slime. I have a few questions:
1) Should I treat the tank with Protozin now to help 'nip it in the bud'. Or should I wait to see actual spots or a diagnosable sign of Ich? I see Protozin treats for various parasites.
2) In my filter is a kind of black sponge. Will these be carbon sponge and it is a second hand tank and I have never been told what it is. Should I remove it just in case?
3) As I have Synos I assume these are scaleless. Therefore will be be ok on full dose or should I go with half dose in the tank if I do add Protozin?
4) Lastly I have a female holding eggs now that they spawned yesterday. Is this likely to disrupt the birth? Infact am I better of stripping the female of her eggs as she will be likely be weak with being unable to eat much over the next three weeks when holding.
