Sick Balloon Molly?

Question
QUESTION: My balloon molly has white little dots on it's body and fins.
I'm not sure if it is sick, or it's suppose to look like that.Please tell me what to do if she is sick.

ANSWER: Hi Mandy;

If the spots look like the fish has been sprinkled with salt it's a parasite called "Ich". There are remedies available at the fish store for it. It helps to raise the water temperature up to about 82f and also add aquarium salt while treating for the parasite too. Ich hates salt and heat.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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

QUESTION: Do I need to use my filter while having the aquarium salt
in the tank?

Answer
Hi Mandy;

The filter should be running all the time. If you are referring to the filter cartridges or pads (meaning the stuff inside the filter) they should be removed when using ick medication but if you are only using salt and not medication the filter stuff should stay in. The filter should be running all the time, 24 hours a day, whether it has pads in it or not. The water circulation gives your fish oxygen.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins