What is this?

[Kirrie]

One of my Black Skirt Tetras has dark spots on his "skirt" It looks like they are in the fin, not on it because they don't stick out. I noticed one on Saturday and now there are more. At first, I thought of fin rot but when I researched it, I don't think that's what it is. 1 of my 3 black skirt tetras has always been really dark and the other two were both light grey, the one with the spots is getting darker. Could the spots just be places that became darker quicker than the rest of the fin? I have two pictures, one is with the lights on in my room so the spots can be seen better.

[Fuzz]

looks like the whole fish is colored down like it's stressed or something. I don't think there's anything wrong with your fish. maybe its just a juvenile. maybe its stressed for some reason. I wouldnt worry too much about it. just keep an eye on it

[weedkiller]

yeah id say stressed, check your water parameters 1st and watch to see if it being bullied

[Kirrie]

I tested the water again last night. The only thing that is off is the pH, it's 7.6. And if anything I think he is the bully because he chases the other tetras sometimes. Not that often to be considered aggressive though.

[kcrunch]

I wouldn't worry to much about the PH fish are very capable of adapting to the PH of your water but the ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites should be kept under heavy surveillance. Dont go to the full extreme because I made the mistake of testing all of the time and I wasnt enjoying the hobby and enjoyment of the fish. Now I test once in a blue and do filter maintenance as well as my regular normal 25-30% water changes and the fish seem happy and I love it.

BTW your mopani is on the way, I did a little work on relieving the wood of some of the tanins but you will have to finish it off when you get it. You will also have to decide it it needs to be cut or not.

[Kirrie]

Ok, thanks. What exactly will I have to do to get it ready?

[kcrunch]

I would get a 15 qt or so container and soak it. That may get a bit more tannins out of the wood but I did soak it for over 3-4 weeks changing the water daily. May even possibly throw a few drops of bleach and then dechlor and allow to soak it should be just fine.