Do My Fish Have Ich?

[Alaine]

Hi again, I think I have a problem.

I have a 36g tank, which I set up a couple of weeks ago. I bought 12 neon tetras and 2 mollies last week as starter fish. So far I have lost 3 tetras. One of them looked like it had Ich before it died i.e it had a couple of white spots on it, though with me being new to this hobby, I am not entirely sure. On close examination of one of my mollies, she has a couple of tiny white spots on her fins.

I was advised to do daily water changes during the nitrogen cycle which I think has harmed my fish more than anything as my LFS said I have been getting rid of the water based bacteria which converts ammonia to nitrites, therefore I have been 'killing them with kindness' by unknowingly increasing the ammonia levels in my tank. Since finding this out, I have stopped doing water changes and added bacteria which breaks down ammonia to nitrite. My tetras are not looking the best, but are still schooling together, however I'm not sure if my fish have Ich and I don't know how to make sure I don't lose any more.

If you need any more details please let me know, and I appreciate any advice you all can give.

 

[kris-b-]

The bacteria for the cycle are not in any great numbers in the water, they are mainly on your filter and substrate so you have been correct in performing daily water changes to prevent the fish being exposed to ammonia and nitrites.

I do think the white spots may be ich Might be worth posting in the emergency section regarding that though!

 

[Alaine]

Thanks, I will do