Fizzle

Hi everyone, I just noticed last night, that one of my cichlids has this yellowish spot/bubble on his tail. I don't know what it is. I don't know alot about ICH...but I don't think this is ich but probably something else. Anyone knows what this might be?

bolivianbaby

Could you post a pic? That would help us figure out what's going on. Also, what type of cichlid is it?

Shawnie

what kind of cichlid? most africans have them...and some other cichlids as well

Fizzle

It's an african cichlid. This appears to be abnormal though...it's like a little cyst growing on his tail. like a big bubble. I will try to take a picture tonight after work.

Shawnie

definately get a pic...a cyst like bubble isnt normal by any means....but allot of my africans have the yellow spots..its part of their breeding and called egg spots...most males have them but some females can also..depending on the type of african....

Fizzle

Sorry couldnt take pictures last night. Got home too late. But I've noticed that other fish are starting to get little white spots on them. I am pretty sure it's ich. I'm new in this hobby and am really scared all my fish are going to die. Please help!

Shawnie

when you get home, turn up the temp slowly to 84F for 2 weeks...gravel vac two times a week sucking up any ich spores that might fall off the fish...add an extra bubble wand for more air as warmer water holds less oxygen..make sure you do this for a full 2 weeks even if they look better..that will kill the ich....

Fizzle

I read somewhere about putting some medicine into the tank...was gonna stop by the fish store after work today...is it recommended? or add some stress coat?

bolivianbaby

Ich doesn't require meds. Most meds will kill your cycle and then you'll have to re-cycle your tank, which will put your fish through more stress.

I've had ich in one of my tanks before and I followed the advice Shawnie gave you above. The ich was gone in two weeks and I didn't lose my cycle since I didn't use meds.

Hang in there, it'll get better. We've all been there at some point in our fishkeeping experience

Shawnie

+2

meds arent always the answer and allot of members have lost fish thinking meds are the cure all fish dont tolerate meds and only should ever be used as a last resort and then only if a proper diagnosis is done....MOST if not all meds will kill your beneficial bacteria that has been created in your cycled tank...

Fizzle

Thanks guys! It is going to be depressing if my fish die! They have all grown so much and I don't want anything to happen to them. I will heed to the advice. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!