bettas white spots

Question
QUESTION: Dear Nathan,

I have a 30 gallon long tank set up since April 2010. I have a betta fish, Einstein, in the tank with filter, heated to 80, real plants (though some dying from the meds), ammonia & nitrite 0, pH 8. In the tank also are 7 japonica shrimp, 3 cardinal tetras and a plecco. On Nov 15th, I noticed grey cottony stuff and pieces of fin falling off of Einstein and he stopped being active. The Local fish store suggested Bingo, (and frequent water changes) and has been recommending it ever since. The grey cottony stuff disappeared, but white streaks remained. At the advice of the local fish store, Bingo has been added again 11/21, 11/27, 1/1, 1/5, and 1/11. Einstein still has two white spots on his head and white streaks on fins, and each time the Bingo is stopped, the white fins seem to increase. He is otherwise acting very normal and happy. I am concerned with damaging him from over medication. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Janice,

I'm not sure what Bingo is, I've never heard of the product, but I assume it's some sort of medication or water treatment. The fish is most likely suffering from a bacterial infection, judging from the symptoms you've provided. Are the two white spots on the head about the size of a grain of salt? If so, the spots are a common parasite infection called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Ich is highly contagious, and I would be extremely surprised if it hasn't spread to your other fish as well.

The disease has probably built up a resistance to this Bingo medication, as you have used it multiple times. In this case, I'd strongly recommend buying a good quality anti-bacterial medication from brands such as Mardel, API, or Sera. There are many other quality brand-name products out there too, I'm just listing a few. Follow the directions on the package carefully, most will require treatments to be spaced within a week. If the white spots look somewhat like I've described, you will also need an anti-parasite medication. Both medications can be used at the same time, as long as their active ingredient isn't the same (this shouldn't be a worry.)

Freshwater Ich picture: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/fwich.htm

When adding medication, make sure any carbon you have in your filter is removed. Activated carbon (the small black granules) in the filter will also filter out and negate the effects of any medication you add. Be sure your filter does not contain carbon. If it does, remove the carbon, but keep the rest of the filter media in place and never unplug or turn off the filter.

Change the water according to the medication directions. Changing it too often will remove the medication.

Your pH is rather high. The average pH value should be around 7 (neutral) pH. Remember, and increase of 1 on the scale is 100 times more basic than the previous number. However, if the pH is steady and does not fluctuate more than .1, I wouldn't mess around too much with it, as a high steady pH is better than a lower but changing one. pH changes are very harmful to the fish. You can try adding some aquarium peat moss (you can find this at your local fish store), to gradually and naturally lower the pH level. This will, however, stain your water slightly yellow. The slight yellow color has no effect on the fish, but may not be aesthetically pleasing.

On a side note, did you know Plecos will easily reach a length of over 12" over time and with proper care? You may need to upgrade your tank or find a home for the Pleco in the years to come. A full grown Plecostomus fish needs a large aquarium of 70+ gallons to thrive.
I hope your fish gets better soon!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

Nathan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your time and valuable information. I'm so sorry that I let the spell check change Binox to Bingo!

The two white spots aren't crystal-like, as I've seen in Ich, they are more like small blotches and aren't spreading. If not Ich, do you still think bacterial and trying Mardel, API, or Sera? It seems to be only the white streaks that spread more.

The carbon has been removed from the filter. Thank you also for the pH and pleco info. I think the Pleco is a pygmy, but I will certainly keep an eye on him.

Thank you again!

Answer
Hi Janice,

The extending white streaks are definitely not normal. I'd still recommend you use an antibacterial medication. Just visit the local fish store and ask to see whether they carry the products. Almost all stores that sell aquariums and fish will carry them.

Here's a link if you want further information, it contains a handy quick diagnostic chart.

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/Diseases.htm

Pygmy species of Plecostomus can still reach a considerable size. Make sure you keep an eye on the little fellow!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

Nathan