Questionable goldfish spots

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello,
You were of great help to my sister with her tank question, so I thought I would ask you a question about my fancy goldfish.  I have a 29 gallon tank with 2 air stones and a biowheel filter.  I have never had any ammonia or nitite level problems but have had a higher ph level, probably 8.0, but the fish have never had trouble.  I have 3 fancies (2 males and 1 female) all approximately 3.5-4 inches long.  I have had all of them for about 2 years, always together.  They are all doing well and acting normal, however, the one orange male with the longest, most beautiful fins has developed some strange white markings.  It started with a 1 cm whitish bump halfway between his mouth and dorsal fin, but it doesn't really protrude. I first noticed this on Sunday evening.  Now, that has extended upward towards his top (dorsal)fin in a straight line and I noticed this morning it almost appears to be sloughing, not bad, but like a person who flakes off dry skin.  I have never had any problems with ich or fin rot etc, so I am not sure exactly what this looks like and if my fish has a problem which requires treatment.  The other 2 fish are fine.  He acts fine too, eats, swims, socializes, etc.  I did do a 25% water change Sunday morning, added the water conditioner, aquarium salt for the amount of new water added, and the algae control.  Everything I have used since the beginning.  I have never had any water issues.  The only other thing he does, but has forever, is his "resting" area is at the top of the tank near the bubbles of the biowheel.  He likes to rest up there when things are quiet.  I hope this makes sense, I did take a picture of him this morning but I wasn't sure if I could send that to you or not.  Thanks so much for any ideas/help.

Jill Franzen

Answer -
Hi Jill;

Welcome to AllExperts!

Does the spot in question protrude from the water or rub on something as he rests in his favorite spot? It may be getting dry or irritated and becoming infected.

How often do you make water changes? Goldfish are pretty messy fellas and really need a 25% change every week. Vacuum the gravel like every 2 to 4 weeks unless you find it to be exceptionally dirty. Then every week is good.

Let me know about the above questions as soon as you can. If we still can't narrow down a cause then you could always post your photo on the freshwater fish board with your question. There would be lots of other people to see it and help us too.

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!  


Followup:
Thanks for the quick reply.  The area in question is the exact area that protrudes out of the water when he rests, that is what I was wondering.  I have only been cleaning the tank every 3-4 weeks, it is so clean and clear and the tests never show a change, I haven't been doing it more often as there hasn't been a problem.  I can do water changes once a week, but I don't have to clean the gravel every time?  I can send a photo if there are good instructions as to how to do it.  Hopefully it would be of good enough quality to tell what is going on.  It isn't flaky tonight, just white and also as he swims throughout the tank and is in different angles to the lights it looks less prominent.  Very strange, I just don't want to not care for it if there is something I can do to help, even though it doesn't seem to bother him currently.  My son loves him so you know how that goes...Thank you so much.  Any other information is again greatly appreciated.
Jill  

Answer
Hi Jill;

I think we nailed it! His skin is irritated from getting dried out. Is it possible to raise the water level to keep water over him where he likes to sit? Or does he just float there? You might have to block him from doing it anymore, for his own well-being. It could become infected if it continues to be exposed. I know he likes to hide like that and taking away such a thing is kind of like taking a blankie or bottle away from a baby, but in his case it could save his life. (poor fella)

A 25% water change every week to two weeks is perfect for goldfish. The gravel only needs vacuuming every month as long as it isn't too dirty. I have had tanks that need it weekly, so it really is okay to do if too dirty to wait. Just do half of it at a time or skip several areas as you go through the gravel with the vacuum.

There is a good product that has natural ingredients to help his skin heal if you want to keep it on hand. It is called Melafix. I really like it for healing skin and fins and preventing infection. Using it along with the salt and water changes he should improve soon.

More Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins