Platy Poo Problem

[iamgroovy]

I have a 16gal glass tank with an Eclipse 2 dual light hood, heater, silk and real plants and a piece of driftwood. My fish - 7 platys (2 male, 5 female) and 4 spotted cories. I feed once a day rotating, flakes, Hikari micro pellets, and I drop in one or two spirolina wafers or algae wafers a day and they eat the shrimp pellets I put in for the cories and with occasional blanched veggies.

They are all very active and seem to be happy and healthy. I've just noticed that some of the platys are passing whitish/clear poo. I've read on other threads that that is a sign of internal parasites. I've had the platys 2 to 3 weeks (I didn't get them all at once). However, I fed them blanched zucchini for the first time last night. Could the zucchini be the cause of the poo color or should I treat for parasites (hate to do that if I don't have to).

Thanks all!

[thesydmonster]

Hopefully more experienced people will chime in shortly but I will tell you what I think -- I think poo varies with the food they eat. I fed everyone zucchini yesterday/overnight and when I did my water change today, there was quite a bit of white poo! However, when I feed the red color enhancing flakes and bloodworms, the poo is reddish. IMO hold off on any kind of treatment and see what happens in a day or two. Good luck :)

[sumoschro]

If it was after you fed it blanched zucchini the poo is white because of this, not internal parasites, however, if you're worried about it, you can try feeding your fish pellet/flake food and see what happens. this would give you a more determinate answer.

[iamgroovy]

Thanks! I was also told that they would have a reduced appetite if they had parasites and this is definitly not the case. They eat very well and play all day. I guess my husband is right and I worry too much! :)