Sick-looking Black Tetra

[capper]

A couple of weeks ago, we revamped our 40+ gallon tank by moving all of our rapidly multiplying guppies into other homes and adding a lot of various schools of tetras. All seem to be doing well except one of our Black Tetras seems to have some white blotches on its head and upper body areas. We were able to catch the fish and put it in a very small 2 gallon isolation / hospital tank. I have heard that adding salt to the water is the best medicine. Would that be the best option? If so, how much salt should we use? Which is better, table salt or sea salt?

I think the sooner we act the better. Thanks for your help...

 

[MissFishy]

The tetra may be a little sensitive to salt in the water. Is this isolation tank filtered and cycled? If not, take some gravel from your main tank and put it in this small tank. The tank also must be heated. I would raise the heat SLOWLY to around 84 and do water changes like crazy. You're going to have a problem doing this safely in such a small tank, so I would suggest getting a larger 10 gallon.

 

[capper]

The filter I am using has been running on one of my other tanks for months so it is definitely "cycled." It has a heater running at 25 degrees celcius -- just like my other tanks. Other than water changes, is there anything I can do? The fish doesn't appear weak or unhealthy -- just the appearance of a bit of white on the upper body.

 

[MissFishy]

If it's just the white stuff, water quality is probably the biggest issue. You can get into medications, but that will just mess with your cycle and may do more harm than good. If the fish is acting normally, I would stick with water changes and temp rising.