Whitespot...

[rcp_rox]

Hi there,

I've had my fish (2 fantails) for 2 weeks now, and they've already got whitespot! I've treated them for it, and they seem to be recovering. Is there anything I could have done to prevent them from catching it? Also, is it likely they'll get it again? I've heard that once you treat them for it, they become immune...is this right?

 

[2004exrider]

If by white spot you mean ICH then no they can't become immune. But to keep it from happening again keep stress down. Watch your water conditions, dont let the tanks water temperature drastically change, the right size tank etc, etc. By the way welcome to the site.

Jimmy

 

[Headrush]

Welcome to MFK!

Did you cycle your tank first? As said they're most likely stressed but this could be due to your water conditions

Good luck with them

 

[rcp_rox]

When we bought our tank from our LFS we were wrongly informed that it would be fine to add the fish after a week. Our ammonia and nitrite levels are still fluctuating, but we were told that the fish would cope with this, as they are hardy. I have another question though, how does stress cause a parasite?

 

[piggy67]

stress helps weaken thr immune system thus makeing it easier for parasites to infest fish.always keep some meds on hand just in case.the sooner you recconize a problem and treat it the better for all

 

[rcp_rox]

Ohhh, that makes sense! We've been putting a bit of aquarium salt in every day, after the partial water changes because we've heard this helps get rid of ich, and also will help our water quality...is this right?

 

[Lupin]

Ohhh, that makes sense! We've been putting a bit of aquarium salt in every day, after the partial water changes because we've heard this helps get rid of ich, and also will help our water quality...is this right?

It can help battle ich but it doesn't help improve water quality. Only water changes can do that.

 

[rcp_rox]

really? I read on the net that aquarium salt would help counteract the ammonia and nitrite levels. Is that wrong then?

 

[congofeet]

Salt does not really counteract the ammonia and nitrite so much as it relieves stress. Lightly salted water can help for a lot of somewhat complicated reasons, that I could go into if you would like. But, basically it allows the fish to put more energy into combating water quality issues, other fish picking on them, or even coping with a new tank right after being picked up at the store.

 

[Mystix212]

What is this 'fantail'? A fantail is a sub-name given to a fish with a line bred tail made to look quite big. Like an asian fan.