White Spot.

Not just newbies, we all encounter problems occasionally.
Keep a close eye on your water parameters and make sure that nothing is out of range, as this will stress the fish and make them more vulnerable.
As for the algae, if it's growing on something that can be removed (decor/silk plants), take the item(s) out and give them a scrub. Otherwise, reducing your lighting period, or cutting out light altogether for a few days, should help.
Could you post a pic of the algae so we can work out what sort it is.

Thank you for that Sue.  It's reassuring to know.  At the moment I cant run to a quarantine tank, but am looking on ebay and gumtree for a bargain

Doing a bit of online research, the algae looks like cladophora, rather pretty it is, although unwanted!

The water parameters look ok.  the lights are on for about 4 hrs.  Go on  7am - fish know its feed time then!!  I turn off when they go blue and on again briefly for the evening feed - each time a small pinch and gone in seconds.

Can I take things out and clean under the tap and put back in or do they have to go into de-chlorinated water first

Good luck, and please keep us updated.

I would wait a week to 10 days after the last spot has disappeared. If you have raised the temp to the upper 20s that should give plenty time for every last bug to be killed - or if some escape the med, enough time for more spots to appear.

Wait a week after you saw the last spot.


Though you may not get it down to 25 deg at the moment. Just turn the heater off and see how low the weather lets it drop. Don't forget to reset the heater and turn it back on once the tank temp has stabilised though. The hot weather will have to end one day