Parasites

[dhm325]

Hello, a fish in one of my tanks has developed white spots on its fins and tail. The fish was in the tank for 2 weeks before developing symptoms. It might be ich but the spots seem too big (they are about 1.5 times the size of ich spots I have seen before). I have treated the tank with Aquarisol (in the recommended dosage) and rock salt (1.5 teaspoons per gallon). I have also raised the temperature to 82 degrees. I plan to wait a few days and if the symptoms do not go away I will try formalin. Any other suggestions?

It seems odd that only one fish has been afffected. Other fish in the tank with no symptoms have been in that tank for a much longer period of time than the fish with symptoms. I have read in Terry Fairfield's book (A Commonsense Guide to Fish Health ...good book...) that I should test the amount of copper in the tank at least daily. Apparently, there are two types of copper in fish medications (ionic copper and chelated copper) and the test for each type is different. Does anyone know what type of test kit I should use for Aquarisol?.

Thanks for any suggestions, comments.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like whitespot to me. Unless you're talking about a marine tank I wouldn't really worry about testing for Cu, it's more likely an Ammonia problem. There are heaps of different whitespot medications out there, just be careful though, if you have skinfish like elephantnose and knifefish some medications may not be suitable. Also, check and see if your GH is appropriate for the fish you are keeping. Rainbowfish and other brackish fish will develop whitespot rather quickly if your hardness is too low. I use protozan, whether you can get it or not is another matter.

[Anonymous]

If anyone is interested I have found out that Aquarisol contains chelated copper.