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I have a small Firemouth that I've had for a while now, and out of the blue he started to get what I think is ICK. It looks like a white growth that runs down the base of the dorsal fin. Could someone tell me what the main cause of ICK is and the best way to help my Firemouth? Thanks.

Ich should look a bit more like grains of salt or little white pimples than a white growth. If it is a single white spot or a white line that runs the length of the fin, I think you might be dealing with something else.

Is there any chance of a photo?

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Maybe not so much as a growth... I couldnt get a good pic cuz I couldnt focus it. If you cant tell by this I could get another one. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z33/cjwalker28/Drew005.jpg

That looks like "some type" of a fungus

First I would like you to post as much as you can about your tank the more you tell us the easier it could be to give you the the correct help.

I personally would rule out Ich to start of with. It could be a secondary infection from a bite or a scratch from something sharp in the tank.
It also could be a problem within the tank water parameters

Melafix can be used but this is a stress treatment only.
Pimafix is a anti-fungal treatment and can be use together.

If you have to buy both of these meds PLEASE check the used by date/expiry date as I have seen these products on shelves way way past those dates.

Also if you decide to use these or any other meds only use as recommended, and remove any carbon it the filter/s you are using.

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Keith

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Well, it's a 30 Gallon with no plants. I have the small Firemouth, a Pleco, a small Tiger Shovelnose, and an African Chiclid. Im not sure of anything about the water because I dont have anything to test it. The two chiclids usually dont bother each other and stay in their side of the tank, although I thought the fungus or whatever it is was originally a bite from the other chiclid, so I removed himto another tank, but it started spreading, so I didnt know what to do. I've never had this problem before. My fish are always healthy.

My problem has gotten MUCH WORSE. Now whatever is growing on my Firemouth is eating away his fin. I would really appreciate the help!

Have you got any medications there?

I am far from an expert but what I would be "trying" would be Melafix to reduce any stress and Pimafix for a fungal treatment. But it sounds like you require a far stronger treatment.
If possible and you have a very good LFS take the fish to them. Also take a good water sample. I would also add a air-stone to add extra air to the tank.

How often and what percentage are you changing the water in tank he is in now.

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Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
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I dont change the water very often. Maybe every 3-4 months. Tomorrow I go to the store, so Ill look at their meds.

I dont know who ever told you about changing water "MAY BE" every 3-4 months, but I am sure it was no one from here or any qualified fish keeper.

The water must be polluted beyond belief.
Water test have you ever had it done correctly?
Filtration how often do you clean that?
Exactly what type do you have?
Deep gravel vac do you do that?
I would start immediatly by changing a minimum of 33% every 4-5 days for several weeks.

Sorry to be so hard on you but some one had to advise you about healthy fish keeping.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW