CHINABOY1021
08-04-2003, 11:48 AM
i bought 6 cardinals. 1 of them shows a full red stripe. the other 5 have faded red stripes. maybe i bought a bad batch, i didnt really observe them closely at the LFS. any other i should worry about?
also 1 of my endler guppy is showing signs of ich by rubbing against surface every once in a while. maybe every 2 hours. my temperature is at 81*. will this work to control the ich? or do i have to raise it more. i seriously dont want to add meds.
PumaWard
08-04-2003, 11:56 AM
Your cardinals may be uncomfortable or stressed out. When I used to have cardinals, their colors would fade when they were stressed out and after lights out. Watch them and make sure they have plenty of cover, suchs as plants. This may make them feel more comfortable.
Your guppy may be flashing for several reasons. However, if it is Ich, your should be able to see the white dots on him, look at him closely to see if there are any parasites on his skin including Ich. Also, make sure his gills aren't extremely red or bloody as this may be signs of gill flukes. I would like to mention though, that many fish flash trying to kick up food off the bottom, not only when they are sick. If it is just on the bottom, I would say it's trying to kick up some food, but if it does it repetedly on ornaments or the glass, you may have a problem. Just keep an eye on them.
80+ degrees does help control Ich, and it usually dies off within a few days of that raised temperature, if it doesn't, then it treat it with Quick Cure or similiar anti-parasitic medication. I hope this helps you out.
famman
08-04-2003, 12:13 PM
Raise the temp as high as the fish can stand and increase the aeration to ensure sufficient oxygen. Add aquarium salt (is it 1 tblsp per 10 gallons?). This should kill off the itch within 4 or 5 days.
good luck
:)