at a loss...with pet loss

Question
Hi Karen, I have a 75 gallon aquarium that I've recently started. This is by far not my first aquarium set-up, and over the years have encountered    some strange things and have successfully overcome these obstacles but now I'm not quite sure where to turn. I have what appears to be a strange looking fungus or possible mold spore circulating throughout my aquarium which appears to have originated from my few plants that I placed in the aquarium. it looks light, fluffy, and nearly transparent...almost like the mold that you would find on a bagel that has long been forgotten(just without the bluish green color). I have also been battling a case of ich, which it appears I am winning. My water levels are excellent I even double checked a sample with a local reputable dealer because I've never seen it so great before. But now I've lost a rainbow shark, a bala shark, and my token goldfish...leaving my pleco, another rainbow, a redtail shark, a black shark, and 2 angels. Now certain people I know hate the combos of fish I put in an aquarium with but they are all younger and smaller, and I've noticed that this works the best in regards to them getting along with each other. Now it has been a few days since I last tested my water because I removed my activated carbon from my filters...but my black shark and redtail, though active, are looking quite colorless. I have also removed my plants. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thatnks in advance and keep up the impressive work ;)  

Answer
Hi Michael,
Clumps of white "fungus" floating about it most likely a sign that there is an abundance of uneaten food hidden in the crevices of the aquarium gravel/decor. I have problems with odd types of fungus growing on a few of types of live plants on occasion. I have the best of luck at removing and preventing this odd critter simply by picking off the small affected plant parts. Unfortunately I am unsure of the exact cause of the fungus on plants--but it appears to try and take ahold near the base of the plant...Therefore leading me to believe excess mulm settled in that certain area may have caused it's existence.

Sometimes you get odd little "fluffs" of cotton growing in your filter box--whenever you disturb your filter when cleaning, these seemingly "harmless" critters float about in the aquarium. Again, I am quite certain for these organisms to make an appearance is because of excess food and nutrients for them. Your best bet for battling this is with good frequent water changes. Take very special attention to vacummn the gravel well and siphon as many of the clumps of fungus as you can.
This should help the problem extremely well, if not eliminate it.

I'm really sorry to hear about your fish loss. It's terrible to lose a pet fish or fishes. ICH can take it's number on fish. My best advice right now is to be sure you keep the medicine in the water for at least 2 weeks to insure every little inh parasite is destroyed and there are no stragglers. Increase aeration in your aquarium and keep up with frequent water changes to further eliminate Ick Parasites. I have done 50% every day (INCLUDING tons of gravel vacumming) to succesfully battle ICH in the past.
Ill fish need extra clean water now more than ever.

There is an alternative method of treating stubborn ICK cases. It's called "the transfer method" it's basically where you have several small aquariumsand every day you move your infected fish from one tank to another. This prevents ICK parasites from taking dropping off your fish where they will multiply and attack again. This method has been tried and proven by aquarists recently. Although I honestly have never tried it yet.
If you would like a detailed article on the transfer method, just let me know. ;-)

I really hope this helps! If you have anymore questions, as always feel free to email me...

My very best wishes to you and your fish!
I hope they get well very soon!

Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~