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My Clownfish has tiny white spots on its fins. I just added new sand to the tank yesterday, but I'm worried it might be ich. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 30 gallons, running a Fluval canister filter. Anyone know how to tell the difference?

If the spots are uniform and look like grains of salt, it's likely ich. Sand particles are usually irregular and don't stick to the fish. Check if the spots move or if the fish is scratching against rocks. Also, what's your temp? Ich thrives in warmer water.

I had this happen once. My fish was fine after a few days. Maybe it's just sand. How's the fish acting? Still eating?

Flynn wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 8:26 am I had this happen once. My fish was fine after a few days. Maybe it's just sand. How's the fish acting? Still eating?

Yeah, if it's still eating and acting normal, it's probably sand. But keep an eye on it. Ich spreads fast.

Ich usually starts on the fins and spreads to the body. If it's just on the fins and not spreading, it might be sand. Try gently netting the fish and see if the spots brush off.

I'd quarantine the fish just in case. Ich can wipe out a tank if you're not careful. Also, bump the temp to 82F if it's ich. That speeds up the lifecycle.

Sand doesn't usually stick to fish unless the water flow is too low. What's your flow like? Maybe adjust the powerhead if it's too weak.

tiderun wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 12:26 pm I'd quarantine the fish just in case. Ich can wipe out a tank if you're not careful. Also, bump the temp to 82F if it's ich. That speeds up the lifecycle.

Quarantine is a good call. If it's ich, you'll need to treat the whole tank. Copper-based meds work, but be careful with invertebrates.

I've seen sand stick to fish after a water change. If you stirred up the sandbed, that could be it. Give it a day or two and see if the spots disappear.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe bump the temp a bit. The fish is still eating and acting normal, so hopefully it's just sand.