How to Treat Ich in a Saltwater Aquarium for a Box Puffer Fish

Marine ich is caused by the saltwater protozoan Cryptocaryon irritans. Symptoms include white spots on the fins, gills and body. Box puffer fish are especially vulnerable to death from marine ich because both the parasite and the treatments for it can harm the aquatic environment. If you notice white spots on your puffer, do not delay in beginning treatment. Ideally, you should quarantine your box puffer as soon as you notice symptoms. If you do not have a quarantine tank readily available, you'll need to treat the infection in the tank. Because traditional ich treatments can't be used in the main tank, this strategy is much less effective.

Things You'll Need

  • Extra tank
  • Copper treatment
  • Salinity gauge
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Instructions

  1. Quarantine

    • 1

      Move the affected box puffers to a quarantine tank. Ich treatments kill beneficial bacteria and coral reefs in marine tanks. This can dramatically alter the tank ecosystem, increasing susceptibility to disease for all fish. Quarantining the affected fish will help prevent the spread of the ich infestation.

    • 2

      Add a saltwater aquarium copper treatment to the fish tank. Carefully follow the directions on the package and avoid overuse. Excessive copper treatments can be fatal to fish.

    • 3

      Lower the salinity of the quarantine tank to about 1.015. This limits the breeding of ich organisms and allows your fish's natural defenses to fight off the parasites. To lower salinity, remove a few gallons of water each day and replace them with freshwater. Stop removing and adding water when you get a salinity reading of 1.015. When all visible symptoms of ich have been gone for three to five days, you may return your puffer to its normal aquarium.

    In-Tank Treatment

    • 4

      Raise the temperature of the water by 3 to 5 degrees. Higher temperatures can help kill ich infestations. Healthy fish can frequently fight off ich infestations on their own if aquarium conditions are ideal, so ensure your puffer receives an adequate diet and is not stressed by aggressive tank mates.

    • 5

      Lower the salinity of the quarantine tank to about 1.015. This limits the breeding of ich organisms and allows your fish's natural defenses to fight off the parasites. To lower salinity, remove a few gallons of water each day and replace them with freshwater. Stop removing and adding water when you get a salinity reading of 1.015.

    • 6

      Dunk the affected box puffer in distilled freshwater for two minutes every day. The temperature of the water should be the same temperature as the aquarium water.