Stressed Tiger Barbs?

Question
Hi Nori,

I hope you can help me out. This is my first time keeping an aquarium. I have a 10 gallon with an aqua clear mini filter. There are a few plants along the back and side of the aquarium for places to hide. After doing my research on good first fish that would be okay in new-tank conditions, I bought 6 baby Tiger Barbs. I don't plan to add any more fish as I assume that would over stock the tank. I have taken the water to be tested every couple of days with only trace amounts of ammonia and nitrites - I'm doing daily water changes of about 20% to keep both levels down. I am worried about stressing my fish and keeping them healthy. I am afraid they might have ich as I noticed a few small white spots on a couple of the fish on the dorsal fin, but the pictures of Ich I've seen on the internet cover the entire body of the fish and are more larger and more visible than these - could what I'm seeing just be how the dorsal fin normally looks? Is there a way I can treat the tank safely (as the tank is still cycling) incase there is ich in the tank? Secondly, sometimes the fish school and chase each other around the aquarium but sometimes they just frantically dart up and down the sides of the aquarium as if they are trying to get out, all of the fish seem to do this about 30-50% of the time. Is this normal behavior for the Tiger Barbs or are they stressed from the water conditions? Is there anything else I can do to help keep my fish healthy? I really appreciate all of your advise.  

Answer
Hi Allison,
Thank you for your letter. Here's my easy aquarium care guide:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
read and print it out to get off on the right foot.
The problems you describe could come from over feeding. It's very important, especially with a small tank. Feed only one flake or pellet per fish per day. As your fish grow, you can gradually increase. If any food hits the bottom, you will have problems with nervousness, disease, etc.
Also, buy a bottle of Cycle, friendly bacteria, and follow the instructions on the label. Store in the refrigerator between use. I do not recommend any chemical first aide treatments because they usually do not work.
If the ick gets worse, follow the emergency care instructions at the bottom of the web page.
Please write back if you want to discuss further.
Nori