I was doing a water change on my 33 gallon community tank tonight, when I noticed one white spot on a neon tetra. Is this the beginings of an ich outbreak? The tank is heavily planted so what should I treat with? I have QuickCure, Aquari-sol and Salt to choose from, that is if it is ich!

Should I wait to treat for ich, or should I treat "just in case"?

I am having the worst week with my fish!!

Thanks for your help!

Anita

P.S. There are 3 neons, 5 black neons, 5 zebra danios and one pleco in this tank.

I wouldn't use salt in a planted tank. Salt can be very hard on some plants.

Quick Cure can be used with plants, but I believe the dosage should be half the regular dose for tetras.

I have never used Aquarisol, however, I have read negative things about it and plants, so I would stay away from it.

I know you don't have it on hand, but I thought I would mention that I have used Parasite Clear (from Jungle) in my planted tank, and it worked well without harming the plants.

Hope this helps.

BTW, I would probably keep a watch for a day or two before I medicated and see if the little white spot disappears or if more appear. Sometimes, I have seen spots on my fish that never turn into an outbreak of ich.

Also, if you do use medication, make sure to take into account that the gravel, ornaments, etc., will displace some of the water in the tank, so dose accordingly.

Good luck

Thanks touchofsky! Very sound advice. You know, the spot seems smaller today. The fish is sorta slow, but he is back to schooling with his buddies!

I will look for Parasite Clear the next time I'm out. I really hate putting chemicals in my tanks, but is nice to have "meds" around just in case.

Anita

Well, the neon got another spot and went and hid in the plants. The next day all the spots were gone. His slime coat doesn't look 100% yet so I was thinking of adding some Melafix and see what happens.

Anita