Sick Clown Loaches

[barbxra]

I recently got 4 new clown loaches that are about 2 inches each. They were doing fine for 2 or 3 days after being put into the tank and small white spots started showing up on their tails. I thought for sure that it was ick and started treating it with some meds. I've used medications specific for treating ick, and also melafix for possible fin rot. (My last two loaches died from fin rot after 1 year in that tank... ) After 2 weeks of treatment, still not seeing results and the white spots are all over the body now.

I normally perform 25% water changes and more depending on whether I'm treating the fish. I have a pretty mellow black ghost knife, two 1 inch kribensis, and 1 leopard pleco. None of them have the white spots that the loaches have, which is why I'm questioning whether it's ick. They're in a 16 gallon tank.

Anyone?

 

[pammy172]

That tank's far too small for clowns sorry - but that won't help them - they are sensitive to water conditions so if you could post your water parameters assuming you have a test kit that would be great.

 

[barbxra]

That tank's far too small for clowns sorry - but that won't help them - they are sensitive to water conditions so if you could post your water parameters assuming you have a test kit that would be great.

I'm going according to the inch-per-gallon rule so they're good for now. I'm working on getting a water test. I'm thinking that it's something specific for the loaches because the black ghost is supposed to be pretty sensitive too...

 

[WILDER]

Your tanks severely overstocked.
What are your water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.

Clown loaches need large tanks as they get bigger 90 gallons.
The black ghost fish also should be in a much larger tank.
Not familar with that type of plec you have.

Once the whitespot gone I would rehome the fish or buy a bigger tank.

Have you increased aeration and raised temp to 30.
With some meds you have to use half dose with clown loaches and plecs.