andie

I currently have 2 swordtails and 5 Rainbow fish in a 55. I noticed small white dots on the swordtails. The rainbows are all really active and seem fine. Could they be sick?

mare2009

hi andie, if it looks like large grains of salt, most likely its ICH. What is the temp in the tank? I would raise the temp to kill the ICH, and do a small wc. Raising the temperature in the tank ( gradually) is the safest way to rid the tank of ich. MAybe raise the temp to 82* for a few days and gradually reduce the temp back to 72-76* It should do the trick if its indeed ICH.. hope this helps

andie

Okay. I think it's around 79 right now. I raise it to 82 over the next two days and change out 15 gallons a day.

aquarist48

Hello Andie. Mare is correct about raising the temperature. However, I suggest raising the temperature to 85. ICH cannot survive in temperatures over 82. Be sure do to some gravel vacuums to get the spores that fall off the fish and into the gravel. Leave the temperature at 85 for 2 weeks. Below is a link concerning ICH. Too, I would suggest adding more air supply while you have the temperatures raised. Best of luck!
http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/CuringIch.htm