White Spots?

[Kairi]

my platy has little white spots on his tail. I've just now taken him out of the tank... but what now? do i need to treat the whole tank? and if so, what with?? it was my intention to take him back to the pet store today as he is being a bit aggressive towards his tank mates.... but should i take back a sick fish? should i just try and make him better and keep him? what are the spots?


------update-------

The spots are now completly gone from all the fish.... but you can still see a little where they were on one of the fish's tails..... I know to go 3 more days after the last sign of Ich.... but is what I see still considered Ich?

 

[tttnjfttt]

It sounds like you've got ich in your tank. Is this a new fish? Also, you need to test your water. Ammonia and NitrIte are the bare minimum, nitrate is also good to know. How big is the tank? What are the tank mates?


There are many meds out there that treat it avaliable at your LFS. In general, you want to turn up the temperature in your tank to about 82-84, add salt if there are no scaleless fish, and medicate.

Here is a link wiht more info. http/badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article2.html

 

[Kairi]

he isn't a new fish. his only new tank mates are two mollies. there are tetras and a pleco in there too... last night, the other platy died.... i think one of the tetras is spotted too.

what are scaleless fish??

 

[tttnjfttt]

Am I correct in assuming this is your 10 gal? If so, your tank is WAY over stocked. Plecos need enormous tanks (i'm forgetting the actual minimum at the moment, but i think its something like a 55 gal) because they grow to be 10" + and are very messy fish.

You need to get your water tested for ammonia and nitrite ASAP. These are very toxic to fish, and is probably the reason you are having an ich outbreak.

Scaleless fish are fish that don't have scales. Examples are plecos, catfish, and loaches. DO NOT add salt to your tank.

I should clarify that you should SLOWLY increase the temp, no more than 2 degreese F per day. Also, ich is one of those illnesses that if one fish has it, they will all get it. Start with half a dose of meds, as scaleless fish are sensitive to meds as well.

 

[Animation]

Whitespot could be the disease they have or like that man said ich.
You can pic up whitespot medicines from all good fish shops.
Also i noticed you said you got him from a pet shop. Try to go to shops that specify completely in fish as you will get more advice this way and they tend to know what they are doing!.
The platy is possible aggressive for two reasons. There are no female platy's in there so it is looking for a mate- i had this problem with my guppy's. stop this by obviously getting some females or getting rid of the platy.
Platy tend to be hardy fish so you still have a chance of saving it if it is alive- Whitespot spreads like a *****! so get something done about it ASAP, and yes treat the whole tank.

 

[Kairi]

the platy went back to the store- they told me they would treat him, and if i wanted him back when he was better, i could have him back- i don't know if i will or not though. i got some meds that say they are ok for tetras and the pleco... but the manager said to use the meds carefully- less than what it says on the package. the only other fish store here is all salt water i went in to talk to the guy, and although i loved the fish- he knew nothing about fresh water....

 

[WILDER]

Yes i agree go in with half the dose first as tetra's and plecs are very funny with meds, don't turn the temp up to 30 either as plecs don't seem to like high temps either, also run an airstone for extra aeration, also no salt as plecs cant tolerate that either, don't forget to remove black carbon if you use it, good luck.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I agree with wilder, half the dose of the meds and no salt. i've also heard of some people slowly adding the meds to the tank with sensitive fish, as to not shock them.

I've never heard of the pleco and heat thing, but I trust what wilder says. Just be aware that with out raising the temperature, it will take longer to get rid of the ich.

I haven't seen you post about your water stats yet. YOU REALLY NEED TO GET YOUR WATER TESTED, AS BAD WATER IS OFTEN THE CAUSE OF FISH ILLNESSES. (fish don't get sick unless they are stressed, and a major cause of stress is bad water)

 

[WILDER]

I agree if they are ok with the half dose for a day or two you could gradually add the med to full dose.

 

[Kairi]

their water is ok. i haven't tested it yet today, and we've been doing 25%-50% water changes every day. i'm keeping an eye on it... i promise i only raised the temp 2 degrees, it's sitting at 83 right now.... ya think the pleco will be ok with that?

they have something similar to an air stone.... it makes a bubble "curtain" against the side of the tank.... the fish seem to love swimming in it. do i need more airation (sp?) in there?

 

[Animation]

Does your filter not let off any?

 

[Kairi]

the filter does a little bit.... but i'd wanted to add bubbles previous to this happening... the fish like it... when i first put it in, they would swim around in the bubbles.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I'd stop at 83, and watch the pleco for signs of stress, such as being lethargic, rapid breathing, or looking pale. The bubbles will help keep the oxygen up with the increased temperature.

As for the playing in bubbles, that can be quite normal. The few times i've used one, my fish went CRAZY in it. it was something new to explore.

Under normal circumstances, ie no meds, the bubbles are purely for looks except in really cheap under gravel filters, which use the bubbles to create a current.

 

[Kairi]

I honestly just wanted the bubbles coz I thought they were pretty Turns out I am really glad I got them!

Pleco went into hiding today, again, after we changed the water... He's cute to watch after you move his castle on him a little. It's like he has to re-find the hole or something.

It seems they are all reacting fine to the meds.... should I keep the dose at 1/2 teaspoon once a day? The bottle says to use 1 tsp for a 10 gallon tank (which is what I have) ....

 

[tttnjfttt]

Yes, keep the dose there. Be sure to read the directions carefully. Some meds are one dose and leave it, others need to be re-dosed daily.