Two things: Whisper filter and external parasites

[gingerman]

1) I've got a Whisper filter, though about a month ago it slowed to a trickle and I decided to pull the plug. So for over a month I've had no mechanical filtration. Needless to say, I lost about six fish. The ones that remain are doing fine, all nine. How do I get the filter up and running again? Is it clogged somehow? Why would it just slow down like that?

2) On my male balloon molly there are some black specks that look like pepper. He has had a speck as long as I've had him, but today I noticed an additional one below the original. It must be an external parasite. Is there a home remedy I can do, or must I get a treatment from the store?



p.s.
I've got a few wisteria, two aponogetons, and two mini-lilies along with countless snails in the tank. Is this sufficient filtration if I can't the Whisper working? How often should I do water changes? I've never done a water change on this tank, and it's been stocked with fish for at least 5-6 months.

 

[reiverix]

You really need to test your water. Even with the best filtration you should change at least 20% water every week. I'd advise you to at least try and find the fault with your filter. I've never owned a Whisper so I can't help you there.

Get a test kit and check your water at least for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I'm sure that even if your water looks sparkly, it will actually be toxic soup for your fish.

 

[Blinky]

Is this a filter with a bio-wheel? If so, they can slow way down or turn in an uneven way and still be working very well - they become loaded with bacteria and this changes the way the bio-wheel turns.
If this is a filter without a wheel, and the flow all but stopped, try checking the impeller. Sometimes plant parts, or even little hairs (sometimes things from the air fall into the tank) or just gunk can really clog up an impeller. They need to be cleaned periodically. I'm assuming that you rinsed out the media in tank water - if this was never done, the filter could have just been clogged with mulm. A quick rinse (or replacing very dirty media that won't rinse clean) will take care of it in the future.
I would say test your water, start changing it a little bit at a time (don't want to shock the fish by doing a large water change at this point) and get the old filter or a new one on the tank. It will go through a cycle, so you'll need to do a fair amount of water changes at first before you can slow down to once a week or so.
Good luck, hope you find out why the filter quit on you.

 

[gingerman]

Impeller?

The whisper has no biowheel. The flow came to a near stop, so the ramp was dry. I got this equipment second-hand so I'm not sure what the impeller is. The tube sticking into the tank? It's clear. Just looking at the filter, there's nothing obviously wrong.

What about the parasites?

 

[spencer2009]

what color is your balloon molly? i have one that is a yellow/orange color and it has a black spot on it's body and one on its dorsal fin. They have been there since i got him which was 2 months ago, he has been fineand eating and active this whole time, so I think that your's is the same and they are just birth marks. I could be wrong though so just keep an eye on him.