Severum ich?

[fishdude25]

Hey everyone. I just got a gold red streak severum today for my 75 gallon planted tank. The severum has been in the tank for about 2 hours. I've been watching it, and it looks like it has some white spots. A couple spots on its body, but mostly on the fins. I've attached a picture, and can try to get some more pics soon. Does this look like ich?

The tank is at 80 degrees F. The severum seems to be acting pretty normal, and is exploring the tank. She has already munched on some of my java moss. I've never had a fish with ich before, so I'm not sure if this is it or not. I'll try to get some better quality pics soon.

 

[michellev512]

Are they raised like salt crystals? Looks like coloring of the fins. Not familiar with severum but my Bolivians have iridescent coloring on their fins..


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[fishdude25]

Yes, they do look slightly raised. Should I start slowly raising the temperature?

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[fishdude25]

Here's another pic of him/her. Notice the white spots on her dorsal fin

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[Patty1980]

Yep I would

 

[ywagner]

Ya raise temps and add aquarium salt, if things get bad turn off lights.


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[fishdude25]

My current stock is:
6 Cherry barbs,
10 Harlequin Rasboras,
21 Tiger Barbs,
6 Otocinclus,
5 Kuhli Loaches,
1 Rainbow shark,
and the severum.
With my Kuhlis and my live plants, I don't think adding salt would be the best idea. I know to slowly raise the temperature so it doesn't shock the fish. I have read that temps above 86 F will kill ich. How high should I raise the temperature, given the fish I have?

 

[Patty1980]

86 is all you need. You can lower your water level to create surface agitation. I did only this for 2 weeks and no more ich

 

[aqua_holic]

Since you just added the fish - are you sure that they are not air bubbles? I have to think that you would have seen such spots on the fish at the store. Were they?

 

[Patty1980]

Ah good question. I missed that lil detail. They gone today??

 

[Brookster123]

I could be wrong here. Wouldn't this be a bad choice for a planted community? Arnt they mean? Like wet pet style?? I'd take the fish back bud.. no offense. .

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[BillD]

Severums are one of the more docile cichlids, but they are still cichlids. However,they will eat smaller fish that fit into their mouths, and they get quite large.

 

[fishdude25]

She still has the spots today. Here's a pic I took a few minutes ago. You can kind of see the spots on her dorsal and tail fin.
I did my research before I got the severum, and I think she'll be able to hold her own with the tank mates.
Should I bring her back to the pet store if she has ich?

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[mikem691]

I could be wrong here. Wouldn't this be a bad choice for a planted community? Arnt they mean? Like wet pet style?? I'd take the fish back bud.. no offense. .

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Not supper mean

Severums are one of the more docile cichlids, but they are still cichlids. However,they will eat smaller fish that fit into their mouths, and they get quite large.

And not a good choice if you like your plants. Will most likely eat them.

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[fishdude25]

Yeah, I know the severum might eat my plants. I read that feeding cucumber might help curb its plant munching tendencies, so I'm going to try that.
What I'm worried about is whether it has ich or not. I'm going to call the LFS later.

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[mikem691]

Good looking severum. I always liked them.

 

[fishdude25]

Update:
I have confirmed that the severum does indeed have ich. I have started raising the temperature on my tank. I have the Fluval M300 heater for my 75 gallon, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to reach 86 F. I'm at about 80 degrees right now. The highest I've been able to get it was about 83. Would it help if I got another heater for the other side of the tank?

-fishdude25

 

[Patty1980]

I would. Gotta be 86 minimum to kill ich.

 

[crazy4fids]

Hey fishdude!
It does look like ich to me. I would raise the temp to 86 degrees. I have used salt with the loaches but have no experience with plants. Raising the temp will accelerate the ich life cycle. It will also make your fish more active.
It sounds like you have done your research before purchasing this guy. I have always liked severums! If he does have ich, you can always take him back, however you will still need to treat your whole tank.

 

[fishdude25]

Yeah, I figured I would keep the severum because I have to treat the whole tank anyway.
The tank is sitting at 80 degrees with the heater cranked up to maximum. I've decided to get another heater. Would you guys recommend I get another identical heater (the Fluval M300), or a different one?

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