Tetra S.O.S.!!!!

Question
Hi Karen,
My teaching partner bought for the classroom a black skirt tetra and a very small tank.  It is hexagonal and is approximately a 2-2.5 gallon tank.  She was going to flush the fish at the end of the year. Appalled, I offered to bring the fish home for the summer. It wasn't swimming much and was mostly silver and when I asked a pet person about it, the response was that tetras are schooling fish and it was probably lonely. So I bought two to keep him company.  Now there are three.  I woke up this morning and they are covered in white stuff.  I called one Petco and the guy said they had ick.  I drove, however to the Petco that's closest and the girl said they have fungus.  (it appears to be an opaque coating they have all over, but they do appear to have tiny white spots on them)  I bought some Melafix and put a teeny bit less than 1/4 tsp in the tank.  While surfing for more solutions, it seems they are stressed from being in such a tiny place. HELP!! I was trying to save one and now appears I am killing three.  

Answer
Dear Monica,
I'm so sorry for not being able to get back to you sooner than I would have wished!!!

~Firstly, in an aquarium as small as 2 to 2 and half gallons water quality can degrade in a VERY short period of time. This means that fish waste can buildup to astounding levels, especially if water changes are not done weekly/twice weekly.

Although Black skirt tetras would appreciate more room, they will be Ok for now in this size aquarium...That is if they can recover from their illness. *From what I can best tell, it sounds like your Black skirts could indeed have a fungal or slime infection AND Ick or white spot disease. These guys have a lot to go through. Because time is so critical now I must cut this short. If these Black skirt tetras are not accostumed to partial water changes I would immediately begin to do 20% everyday. The reason for "them not being use to" is since water quality becomes poor after time, the hardiest of fish (black skirts) will adapt as much as they can to be able to live in it before eventually succumbing, if a large water change is done then they would go into shock from the sudden addition of fresh water in a large quantity. When given more frequent water changes, larger ones are no problem.
~Besides that I believe I would begin using Melafix and Quick Cure which will help with the white spots. Ick parasites are safe from medication harm while still on the fish as they are encapsuled in a protective shell. But later in their life-cycle, they drop off and begin to multiply in the gravel to become many more free-swimming parasites ready to attack a poor fish. This is why it is important to keep Ick medication in the aquarium at all times during treatment even if the white spots dissapear one day. Treat for at least a week. ~*~Melafix can be in the aquarium for as long as the white slim is still on the black tetras.
-Water changes are essential above all along with medication. Meds are hard on fish regardless and frequent partial water changes will really help on the stress level. *When doing water changes it is VITAL to remember to make sure the temperature of the replacement water is equal to that of your aquarium (a bit higher is fine) and that it is dechlorinated everytime with a good water conditioner like PRIME.-

I really hope this helps and I wish you only the very best for you and your little tetras. I am very fond of Black skirt tetras and followups are very welcome on their condition!!

Best wishes,
Karen~