White bumps on fins and some on body?

[Greg5OH]

I noticed this seems to come and go..right now my big blue diamond has a raised white bump on his tailfin and a couple smaller raised white bumps behind his gill. A few other fish seem to have 1 of these bumps on random areas of the body too..

doesnt look like ich.
125g tank
5 adults, 3 3"
weekly 40% water change
barebottom
nitrates near 0, temp 84
PH has always been high at 8.2
behavior seems normal, had 2 pairs spawning last night, all eat like pigs. Would like to keep it that way.
https://imgur.com/ri0c28q

https://imgur.com/3m8kF2o

[brewmaster15]

HI Greg,
Those bumps are related to water quality...Think of them as pimples or zits. They are generally harmless but can get infected if too big. They will rupture and leave a small hole that should close up with no problems at that size. Basically they are an indicator that your water may not be good enough.. Bacteria gets into the fishes pores and these pimples are the result.


weekly 40% water change is too little, especially in higher pH's I would suggest increasing the frequeny of water changes and be sure the filters are clean..

hth,
al

[Greg5OH]

Thanks Al, upping to 40% 3x a week. Sound ok?
Also..shoudlnt the bacteria be killed by my UV sterilizer?

So, up my water changes, I have an FX5 and a sponge filter along with the UV sterilizer. Anything else I can test for?
Or just keep it simple, 3x a week water changes and enjoy the fish?

[brewmaster15]

Or just keep it simple, 3x a week water changes and enjoy the fish? Thats the best plan! especially the part about enjoying them! Give the water changes a shot and see how things go over the next month.

AS for the UV.. It only kills the bacteria that passes under its light.., and bacteria reproduce so quickly its not a substitute for water changes.It can be Beneficial but water changes also remove organic wastes that bacteria thrive on.

hth,
al