Help with Black Mollies

[Web Gazelle]

I have an outbreak in my tank of black mollies. They have white patches on them and are doing a little scratching here and there. I have seen some lying on the bottom. One seems to have a filmy coating on one of it's eyes. Anyone know what this is and what is the best way to treat it?

 

[drinkredstripe]

I've tryed keeping black molys they never do well they aways get those white patches you talked about. I think they need lots of algea to eat and do better in brackish water

 

[Web Gazelle]

I know they do better with salt and are picky about water conditions. These ones developed the patches, it seemed like over night. I have been able to cure the typical parasite infections that they get. I was just wondering if that is what I am seeing here.

 

[tricksterpup]

I know they do better with salt and are picky about water conditions. These ones developed the patches, it seemed like over night. I have been able to cure the typical parasite infections that they get. I was just wondering if that is what I am seeing here.

Mollies actually do not need salt in their tanks. This is a really bad perpetuated myth in this hobby. What they really need is actually water hardness. (please read this artical to understand salt and mollies. http://tcoletti.tripod.com/molly_salt_debate.html) But from what this sounds like could be a water quality issue. When was the last time you did a water change and how often? How big is your tank? Tank size is very important to a molly wellness. What is your tank temp? Maybe increasing the temp may help.

 

[Web Gazelle]

Actually it seems it was eye cloud or body slime. Whatever it is called. I got a medication at the LFS and it seems to be clearing it up. I do 20% water changes every week and my tank is a 20 Gal. The water here is natually hard and has a ph of about 7.4. Tank temp is usually around 78 F. I have heard mixed opions on mollies and the use of salt. However I read a great article in Aquarium fish mag. that said the hybirdized mollies do live longer and are much more healthy with salt in the water. Only the silver molly seems to do fine with or without salt.