How to Get Rid of Ich in a Marine Aquarium

Ich -- also called white spot disease -- is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The parasite is carried on the bodies of fish and is often present without causing problems in a healthy fish population. Keeping a clean, well-balanced tank, having properly nourished fish and not overcrowding the tank will prevent ich parasites from harming the fish and your tank. Once an infestation occurs, however, the tank must be thoroughly decontaminated for the safety of the fish. If the fish do not survive the infection, the tank must be restored to health before new fish can be added.

Things You'll Need

  • Parasiticide treatment
  • Ammonia
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Instructions

  1. Treat Ich in a Tank with Living Fish

    • 1

      Turn the temperature in the tank up to 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch the fish closely for any signs of distress such as poor motility or lack of appetite and turn the temperature down a few degrees if the fish are distressed.

    • 2

      Add a few drops of parasiticide to kill the parasite. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Lower the temperature of the water slowly back to its normal level after three to four days of treatment.

    • 3

      Test the water in the tank every other day to ensure that the proper pH balance between 6.5 and 7.8 is maintained and repeat the parasiticide treatments as recommended for one to two weeks until the ich infestation is gone.

    • 4

      Remove the fish and clean the tank when the ich infestation appears to be gone.

    Treat Ich in a Tank with no Fish

    • 5

      Drain the water from the tank.

    • 6

      Refill the tank with fresh water and start the filter.

    • 7

      Add a few drops of ammonia to the water and raise the temperature to 85 degrees.

    • 8

      Run the filter for 10 days, the incubation period of the parasite.

    • 9

      Empty the tank and refill it again with fresh water. Lower the temperature back to normal and test the water for chlorine, ammonia and nitrite. Treat the water if necessary. Test the pH level of the water to make sure it is within the proper range before adding new fish to the tank.