HELP!

[Dred]

Hi (dreds wife)

I noticed 2 days ago that one of our black widows has got a tiny white spot on its tail fin. All the other fish were fine. I checked them all again today and now another has got a single white spot on its tail fin as well.

Is this ich, I thought it was quicker to develop and spread. I have not used any medication yet as I understand some catfish can be badly affected, we have two peppered corys and a spotted raphael catfish.

can anyone offer any help or advice?

Thanks

 

[jkun17]

It's probably ich. My outbreak started out like that too. I only wish I caught it sooner.

The easiest thing is just to raise the temperature to above 85. It should kill off the ich when they break off. What I use is QuIck Cure. I'm in the middle of medicating my 10 gallon. My tetras are all clean, but my guppy's still got a trio of spots.

 

[Dred]

Hi thanks for the quick response and the advice. I have upped the tank temp, should I start medicating now or wait to see if the temp thing works? How long should I leave it? I read somewhere that I should leave the temp above 85 for about a week, is this right?

 

[MissClaire]

It might be calcium spots....
I noticed the same thing but it was so mild I chose not to treat and it disappeared. Hasn't been on the fish since.

 

[Dred]

I'm still not sure what this is but upping the temp seems to have done the trick. The white spots have gone. The fish do not seem to be exibiting any other symptoms, they are still eating and active and are not rubbing themselves against things.

Should I continue with the high temp treatment for a few more days incase it is white spot or should I reduce the temp to normal.

Our spotted raphael catfish seems ok although I have noticed a change in its colour since upping the temp. It is paler and the main section of its body has a cloudy look to it. Also ever since we got him approx 3 weeks ago he has had string poo, which does not detach itself very easily. It is white in places but also black/brown ( I never thought I would be describing the toileting habits of my fish publically in such detail!). Is this stress caused by the high temp or does he have internal parasite?

Any help would be much appreciated.