There are these white spots on the tailfin of my coral beauty. Originally there was this largish (1.5mm) spot on it's back fin, that kinda looked like it was expanding into a small buble), so I gave it a freshwater bath and it went away. However, almost overnight, there were several little white dots on one side of it's tailfin. I have no idea what it is. I have seen ich before, but it doesn't look like what I remember, but this morning, about a week and a hlaf later, there is a white dot on my royal gamma's sidefin, so I am very worried. I don't know what to do. My tank is still relatively new, and there seems to be no agreement as to whether a UV sterilizer is a benifit or a liabilty. What do you think these dots are? And how can I get rid of them for good? Thanks so much in advance for your help. :huh:
Something strange; Please advise
- Thread starter wet&wild
- Start date
Does sound like the fish have some skin parasite. I would remove the fish to a hospital tank, and treat them for 2 weeks with lowered salinity and a boosted temp. Boost the temp in the main tank as well--lacking a host, any parasites within the tank will die, and you can safely re-introduce the fish. The problem with just a dip is that the parasites are protected by the fish--only those that are encysting are affected. A longer dose is needed to be effective.
I'd also verify that the tank is cycled--skin paraistes typically don't become a huge problem unless the fish are stressed by something else.
In terms of UV--I'm not a fan. Yes, the Uv will kill parasites that are fre swimming IF they get sucked into the UV. But, not all the parasites will be pulled in, and, of course, a huge variety of good organisms will be killed off as well. Quarantining new purchases is much better.
I'd also verify that the tank is cycled--skin paraistes typically don't become a huge problem unless the fish are stressed by something else.
In terms of UV--I'm not a fan. Yes, the Uv will kill parasites that are fre swimming IF they get sucked into the UV. But, not all the parasites will be pulled in, and, of course, a huge variety of good organisms will be killed off as well. Quarantining new purchases is much better.
Thanks for the advice, but, unfortunately, I don't have a quarantine tank. I'd like to try the temp increase thing, so how high can I jack the temp up in my tank to detach the parasites, without putting my other fish and cleaner crew at risk?
Also, do you recommend hyposalinity? If so, how lo should I go?
By the way, I have read a lot of your other responses and you seem incredibly knowledgeable. Furthermore, I respect you tremendously for sharing so much of your wisdom and time. You are an angel, Orion Girl. Thank you.
Also, do you recommend hyposalinity? If so, how lo should I go?
By the way, I have read a lot of your other responses and you seem incredibly knowledgeable. Furthermore, I respect you tremendously for sharing so much of your wisdom and time. You are an angel, Orion Girl. Thank you.
10 - 20g tank, air stone or small pump, large substrate (something that wont absorb medicines or none at all) and somewhere for fish to hide, (flowerpot or some rocks) a heater and some water from your aquarium, small light and now you have a quarantine tank.
Not that expensive and may actually SAVE you money in the long run by saving the creatures you have already purchased.
If you can afford it, you should IMHO.
Good luck with your aquarium and sorry to hear the bad stuff
Not that expensive and may actually SAVE you money in the long run by saving the creatures you have already purchased.
If you can afford it, you should IMHO.
Good luck with your aquarium and sorry to hear the bad stuff