I've been noticing this white build up on the sides on my one serpae tetras. He is still alive right now but I want to know what I need to do to get it off him or prevent it from reaching the others. I don't think it's ich, I've had that before and I though a steady temperature in the tank fixed that. It's not spots but just one solid white film on my fish. What is this, and is there anyway to fix it? I have been looking on this forum with a salt method, is that ok to use if I have plants?
White film on my fish...need help
- Thread starter Kev79x
- Start date
There are various types of protozoa which can cause these symptoms, and they are treated in a similar way. The different parasites are Costia (Ichtybodo), Cyclochaeta (Trichodina), and Chilodonella respectively, the last being the most resistant of the parasites. Once the disease has spread to the gills, it is at its most deadly, and could prove fatal to the affected fish.
propietary medications containing malachite green, formalin or a combination of both will work, as will a short salt bath, with higher salt concentration - 10G/Litre for 30 min).
i'd raise the tank temperature gradually up to 85° and increase the oxygen content of the water during the treatment phase by lowering the water level in the tank to creat more "splash" from the filter, or use an airstone.
remove any carbon you may be using if you treat the tank with medications other than salt.
propietary medications containing malachite green, formalin or a combination of both will work, as will a short salt bath, with higher salt concentration - 10G/Litre for 30 min).
i'd raise the tank temperature gradually up to 85° and increase the oxygen content of the water during the treatment phase by lowering the water level in the tank to creat more "splash" from the filter, or use an airstone.
remove any carbon you may be using if you treat the tank with medications other than salt.
Do you see red inflammation below the excess slime? If so then you have costia which needs to be treated with a malachite/formalin drug. Costia has been shown to survive in salt concentrations well above 10 teaspoons per gallon and not only just survive but thrive. If its not costia, salt might be the way to go.