Ich, Velvet, or infection?

[insomniac2k2]

Hello,

New to the hobby and taking over a fully cycled tank. Its been near 3 weeks since transferring the tank and inhabitants to my possession. I have been attacking high nitrates with very frequent water changes and reworking the sump a bit for better efficiency. All in all, its going well.

BUT, i just noticed an odd spot on my rabbitfish's tail. It looks kind of like a ringworm would on human skin. In the middle of the spot, there is a large sand grain sized white spot. It looks slightly raised, but its hard to tell at this moment. Surrounding this white spot, looks like a bright yellow color. All of the other fish do seem ok so far, and i have not witnessed heavy respiration. Today the discoloring still looks the same, but the white spot looks more yellow and blending in with the rest of the yellow color.

Any ideas what im dealing with? I did move a lot of sand around and have definitely unsettled any nasties which could have been tucked away for a while.

EDIT: Present state of nitrates are 40ppm, down from 100...Phosphates @ 1.5 and dropping. Needless to say, the fish have been dealing with a bit of stress, but all seem to be handling it well under the circumstances. Eating and swimming well so far.

 

[insomniac2k2]

anyone?

 

[waeleldasher]

I looked at that photo last night, but I tell ya, the first thought that came to mind was this may be a juvenile fish that's growing into adulthood and changing color.

I'm no expert, but that was my first impression. How old is the fish?

cheers

W.

 

[insomniac2k2]

I hope thats the case, but Im guessing not at the moment. Just a few hours ago I took a look at him. He now has a split fin. The fin is still in "ok" shape otherwise. It doesnt look like its decaying away, etc.

I havent witnessed any bullying in the tank. I do have a larger trigger, but those 2 usually play well together. Im at a loss here :/

Not quite sure how old the fish is. If i go off what the previous owner says, its around 2yrs. Seems a bit small for 2yrs old, but im unsure of the growth rate of these guys. Ill have to do a bit of research.