Yes, I'm pretty sure it was Ich, (white spots...looked like salt). It was probably caused when I dropped the temperature from 82 to 80.
However, I say "WAS" as there is no evidence of the white spots when I came home from work. (about 8 hrs. later) I talked to the guy at the local fish store and he said this is normal though... However, could the 2 cleaner shrimp have cleaned up the ich??? I mean, isn't that what cleaner shrimp are supposed to do, clean parasites???
However, the next question that arises, is this going to be an ongoing problem? In other words should I just face the inevitable fact that I will have to hospitalize the infected fish and treat them?? Or (hope, wish, pray) will the ich maintain at a baseline that the fishes natural immune response + the cleaner shrimp will be able to handle?? (Ich is always present correct?)
I appreciate your input as I'm new to the hobby and want to get my facts straight right off the bat. This message board is a godsend for information about the hobby, just reading has solved many of my problems.
Thanks, Mike