Does this look like ich?

[Dr. White]

Hi all.

Upsetting turn of events. My school of cardinals and three ottos were doing so well, and I decided to add 4 more cardinals and 3 more ottos. I went against all good advice - including that which I would have given - and didn't thoroughly examine the fish shops tanks before asking for them. I first noticed the new cardinals having laboured respiration when they went in. Not a big concern then, they were new. But they remained washed out and behaving abnormally for about three days before I noticed white spots on a couple of them. Only about 3 or 4 spots each. I immediately purchased some eSHa Exit and began the first dose straight away. It recommends a large dose, then two half doses on subsequent days. I did that and the problem was only got worse, with it spreading to the original cardinals and the ottos. The meds suggest for stubborn cases, keep dosing for another 3 days. I have done that now, and have not seen any improvement. Today I sadly lost two of my original cardinals, neither of whom actually had any white spots visible on their bodies. I attach a photo of the one that died today.

I am now wondering if it really was ich, or perhaps something like epistylus?

 

[Bradders]

And, if you get any issues with the Oase, give me a shout - happy to help. I am just about to take my pre-filter sponges down from 45PPI to 30PPI to decrease the cleaning time now one of my filters is at the 8-month maturity mark.

I have just taken both my pre-filters down to 30PPI. Around 33% less Pores Per Inch.

Now, here is the experiment:

1. Can I now go longer between cleaning my pre-filter? (Had to do this weekly due to flow).
2. Will my water clarity suffer by reducing from 45PPI to 30PPI?

Ultimate outcome is that if I can maintain my filter less, than that would be a good result!