lizaxx

Hi everyone! I'm a new member as well as a new aquarium hobbiest. Yesterday I noticed that my 4 iridescent sharks have whit spots on them...from research I concluded that it is ick. I uped my water temp to 84 f and used coppersafe in the tank. Now one of my sharks is floating belly up at the top of the tank. He can get back down to the bottom but doesn't stay that way for very long. I hate to see him suffering and I have no idea what to do. I would really appreciate and advice.

Shaner014

Welcome to FishLore!

Is the aquarium cycled? If so what are the water readings?

Did you raise the temperature slowly? Sudden changes in temperature are not good for any fish.

Pictures are always a great tool for diagnosis on this site, so if you have the ability, try it!

Lastly, the tank is very overstocked with that listing, those particular sharks can become massive, and cramping/stunting in that size tank can lead to problems. How long has the tank been set up?

These questions will help others help you! Hopefully you can get back on track! Good Luck!

catfishtabbi

I'm not sure if coppersafe is safe for scaless fish, irridescints are scaless, right? I probably would have used kordon organics ick-attack it is safe for delicate fish.I'll look it up. If you acted fast the ick if still mild should not be killing them really. You might like to run carbon to remove the copper and retreat with a safer product. i'll be back. Add some o2 now also, high temps lower o2 levels.
Well i read about coppersafe on f&s i seen no warning about scaless fish! wow i'm shocked, guess it's improved. Obviously your sharks aren't enjoying some aspect of all this (your fish). See if adding o2 helps and maybe begin lowering the temp, thats high, but i don't know what they are accustomed to. Post as to your progress. Good luck.

catfishtabbi

Good grief i looked at your tank info... get you a bucket of dechlorinated water and remove your 3 plants from your tank and place them in the bucket, it would help if you can add a pouch/stocking or media bag full of carbon to remove some coppersafe.The snails should die since treatment, so nothing to worry about there and for the future you can always get a loach that will eat snails but not until the meds are out!

aquarist48

In order to remove the ICH the temps need to stay at 84 for the next two weeks. Vacuum from time to time to remove the spores that fall off the fish and into the substrate. Knowing your water chemistry will help us help you. ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings are a must. Too add an air supply (air stone or bubble wand) for additional oxygen. Sorry but I can't help you with what you've already added to the tank because I've never used it. As to why your one buddy is belly up is not clear.

Lucy

Hi Lizaxx,welcome to Fish Lore, I'm really sorry your shark isn't doing well.

catfishtabbi, for mild cases of ich, it's recommended to increase the temp slowly to 84F and leave it there for at least 2 weeks.
But, as you said aearation needs to be increased to make up for less oxygen in warmer water. Along with water changes and thorough gravel vacs to pick up all the ich spores.

Knowing the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate would help.

lizaxx

My tank is cycled. Nitrite=0 Nitrate=10 ammonia=0. I did raise tem slowly. Up a couple degrees every couple hours. I added a oxygen hose too. I will remove the plants as you suggested with a carbon filter. My little shark is still belly up...that is really worrying me. I will feel so terrible if he dies.

aquarist48

Hate that your fish are ill. Your water chemistry seems to be doing well. Have the fish been stressed or has there been any sudden temperature changes prior to them getting ICH? Those are the two major causes. Sometimes the best we can do is all we can do...

lizaxx

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and support! Unfortunately I lost my little guy this morning hopefully the ich will clear up soon...it seems to be getting a bit better.

Lucy

I'm really sorry you lost him.

aquarist48

Glad to hear the Ich seems to be clearing and hate that you lost your fish. Keep an eye on things