Ich in tank...HELP

[ichboy]

Hi All,

Im a new fish keeper with a 20 gallon tank with 4 platys and 4 black widows (10 day old tank ). I have just noticed today that one of the black widow fish has 2 white spots on its tail. none of the other fish appear infected. I believe this is refered to as ich? am i correct? if so what is the best way of treating the disease? i have read on a few sites that adding salt into the tank can cure ich

Can any of you kind fishkeepers help me out please?

BTW. the 4 black widows were added last friday, amonia 0 (ithink) ph 6.6

 

[glolite]

Have you read the threads on cycling in the newbie/beginner forums? Also, after 10 days you need to test for ammonia and nitrites. I would think a water change might help unless you have already done one. Small white spots on the body/tail could be ich, a parasitic infection. Adding salt and turning the temperature up a degree helps, you can also buy treatment for ich.

Larger fluffy spots are usually fungus and need an anti-fungal treatment.

 

[eudielynn]

You were too quick for me!!! I was answering you in the other forum. Yes, aquarium salt, raising your water temp a few degrees and regular water changes will curb the ich if it is caught early enough. If that doesn't do the trick, your local pet shop should carry several different meds for ich. My favorite is Maracide which also treats several other ailments.

 

[hello kitty]

u can buy stuff to treat whitespot/ich but i think if your tanks only 10days old it should have been left a bit longer before you put fish in i left mine 3 weeks. i dont think you should put any new fish in for a coupla week to give the filters chance to adapt. hope you cure it

 

[ichboy]

thanks everyone,

how often and how much would you gurls and fellas recommend water changes?

 

[glolite]

With a newish tank test for ammonia and nitrites every 2 to 3 days. Do a 25% water change if you get any positive readings. Once the tank has matured, this often takes around 6 weeks with fish in it, then 25% once weekly should be enough.

 

[ichboy]

Thanks again glolite,

you have all been really helpful

cheers