[littledonny]

Ok, so I started my first aquarium about a week ago.

I have 4 African Chiclids each about 4 inches. They were all acquired from the same tank. All of them have what I would characterize as yellow spots on their bottom fins, but nowhere else. I know the pics are blurry, but you can see the spots pretty well. They are flashing as well.

I have done some unsophisticated tests on the water that indicate my pH is below 7, KH low, GH low, Nitrates/Nitrites low. I used filtered water (mistake, I know) treated with Stress Coat. The pump works well and the filtration system is good.

1) What is going on with the fish, and how do I address it?
2) How should I treat the water to move it closer to the desired conditions for Chiclids?

I have considered baking soda and epsom salts, but I'm not sure and I don't know how to proceed if the fish are sick. What should I do?

 

[daywalker7]

i think they're egg spots....are those yellow labs?

 

[littledonny]

Also want to add that the temperature hovers right around 80F, and that the tank was not cycled prior to use.

 

[Hoosier Tank]

Those spots are egg spots they are supposed to be there. When the female is picking up her eggs she has released, she is attaracted to the males egg spots and he releases his milt to fertalize the eggs.
Since you used filtered water this time, it would be nice to know what the levels are for your tap water... draw some and let it set for 24 hours and then test it... you may not have to change much.
80 degrees is perfect, right where I feep my tanks.
Plus you really should have cycled your tank first but I am sure you know that now... I would do daily partial water changes to keep amonia levels down. See if you can get some "Bio-Spira" to add to the tank ASAP.

 

[littledonny]

I've pretty much established that the tap water in my area is very similar to what is already in the tank, ie slightly acidic and soft. That was why I was looking into the baking soda and epsom salt solution, because I was under the (amateur) assumption that adding those in correct amounts increases both pH and buffering ability. Is there one product that does what I'm looking for?

 

[cichlidaholic]

What size tank is this?

It may be necessary to do multiple water changes daily. Having these fish go through the cycling of the tank can do long term damage to their internal organs.

What do you mean by "unsophisticated" testing?