Guppy problem

Question
Hello again,
    I have gotten a new fish tank (same size, and filter) and split the fish half and half.  I have gotten a new wide-mouth pleco, also known as a rubber mouth, or pitbull pleco.  I keep it in the same tank as the original parents of the guppies.  A couple days ago, I noticed that the little baby fish were biting the mother (they stopped after around 5 mins).  today when I looked carefully at the spots where she got bitten, I see white stuff.  The bitten part is also light pink.  I think it might be fungus because of the open wound, but it also might be parasites.
       sincerely John Barry

(P.S. the mother just had 158 baby fish and right before that, the other fishes started to bite her I'm wondering if that has anything to do with the biting)

Answer
Good evening, John - I must say, wow! 158 guppy fry! I have between 12-16 cichlid fry in my 29 gallon tank, and I still can't keep it straight. What are you planning on doing with all the fry? Given the right care, they do grow fast...

I had to read the archives to remember what your previous question was. I gather your pleco is doing all right? I just read an article about rubbernose, it's online here:
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=446

What I would do is separate the guppy mother from her fry. If you have a hospital tank, anywhere between 5-10 gallons, that would be best. If not, then use a clear container such as as large clear Rubbermaid container. Keep it filtered with something such as a small in-tank box filter or sponge filter. Use primarily old tank water from one of your water changes to set it up. I would add about 25% new water.

The white stuff does sound like trouble. It is most likely, as you speculated, fungus growing from the open wounds. The best treatment would be aquarium salt, at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons. Do you water changes as usual, no need to add back more salt. Also, be sure to mix the salt in some warm water and then pour it in, to distribute it evenly.

If you have Melafix and Pimafix, I would use these in combination at the recommended doses, aerate the water using an airstone or bubbler, and treat again in 3 days after doing a water change. Ignore the package's directions to treat for 7 days and then perform a water change - this seems ridiculous to me! Pristine water conditions and a stress-free environment will be key to helping your guppy recover. I would add some plastic plants and objects such as smooth ceramic cups to provide security. Keep overhead lighting low, subdued lighting is preferable. The ideal method would be to provide floating plant cover.

Good luck, John!
Keep an eye on those fry! They be nippers.
Nicole