I thought it was Ich

[jorge7439]

I need advice about white spots on two of my new fish. I have six discus, now at week five, following Al's quarantine protocol in a bare bottom, 40 gallon tank. They are doing well, hungry and active. Two fish have developed speckled white spots on their tails in the past two weeks. The affected fish don't seem bothered by it, but they are also at the bottom of the pecking order. I don't see spots on the rest of their bodies or fins, nor on the other fish. I assumed it was Ich, raised the temp from 86 to 90, added salt 1 tablespoon per ten gallons, but the spots have not changed. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate are all negative. I do a 50% wc daily, aged water for 24 hours in a brute can. I've read about epistylis, I don't think it's that. Perhaps I'm just paranoid, because I love these fish and want the best for them. Any ideas about what this could be? Thanks for an awesome forum.

[brewmaster15]

I need advice about white spots on two of my new fish. I have six discus, now at week five, following Al's quarantine protocol in a bare bottom, 40 gallon tank. They are doing well, hungry and active. Two fish have developed speckled white spots on their tails in the past two weeks. The affected fish don't seem bothered by it, but they are also at the bottom of the pecking order. I don't see spots on the rest of their bodies or fins, nor on the other fish. I assumed it was Ich, raised the temp from 86 to 90, added salt 1 tablespoon per ten gallons, but the spots have not changed. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate are all negative. I do a 50% wc daily, aged water for 24 hours in a brute can. I've read about epistylis, I don't think it's that. Perhaps I'm just paranoid, because I love these fish and want the best for them. Any ideas about what this could be? Thanks for an awesome forum.

Hi Jorge,
Your Group of Fish look very good, very healthy. The eyes are clear and fins are erect. Its definitely not Ich as that would be on everyone and much more apparent. Its hard to say what exactly it is, but the spots are localized to the rays in the fins. It could be caused by any number of things..could also be damage from being picked on. I would not worry at this point and just watch and wait. If I was to try anything should it not resolve or get worse in the next week would be to treat with Formalin with Malachite Green. But I think wait and watch is best at this point.

Hth,
al

ps..

Thanks for an awesome forum

Thankyou!

[jeep]

I would also bump the salt to 3-4 TBS per 10g for a week. I've seen this many times before and the salt usually does the trick. If it doesn't clear up in the week I would follow Al's advice...

[brewmaster15]

I would also bump the salt to 3-4 TBS per 10g for a week. I've seen this many times before and the salt usually does the trick. If it doesn't clear up in the week I would follow Al's advice...

Brian's advice is very sound and won't hurt the fish either way . No reason not to give it a try.

AL

[jorge7439]

Thank you both for the sound advice. I'm grateful. The salt is in the tank.