Remedy for Fish Fungus

Anyone who has ever had a fish aquarium has experienced some sort of fungus that has killed their fish. The most common type of fungus is saprolegnia, or cotton wool fungus. It's identified by white or gray patches on the fish that resemble cotton wool. This type of fungus happens most frequently in aquariums and can prove to be fatal if not treated in its early stages. Fortunately, remedies exist.

  1. Saprolegnia, or Cotton Wool Fungus

    • This particular fungus or organism feeds off fish waste, uneaten food, dead fish, and stressed or weakened fish. Poor water conditions and low temperatures can cause this fungus to spread quicker. When fish have been handled roughly, they tend to get their outer skin scraped off and the fungus moves in. Once one of the fish in the aquarium has developed this fungus, it won't be long before you'll begin to notice it on the other fish.

    Treating the Fish Fungus

    • The remedy for treating this fungus is to first make a 50 percent water change. Without disturbing the fish in the tank, empty out half of the water in the tank and fill it up with new water, keeping the water temperature as close as you can with the water that's left in the tank. By trying to keep the water temperature the same, it will help prevent the fish from being too stressed out. Make the water change before adding any treatment medicine.

    Types of Medicine

    • Good remedies for the treatment of this fungus are Maracyn, Rid Fungus, or Malachite Green. All of these fungus medicines work very well at killing the organisms and saving the fish. All of these medicines are safe for all other community fish in the tank, but they are toxic to snails and shrimp. These different medicines all work the same in that they start to kill the fungus immediately, so if the fungus is caught in its early stages the fish can be saved.

    Preventative measures

    • After treatment is completed and all of the fish are in good health and free of the fungus, it's a good idea to make another 50 percent water change to the tank to remove all of the medicine still lingering in the water. Try to maintain an adequate water temperature and not allow it to become too cool, as this will help prevent the fungus from returning. An excellent preventative against fish fungus is tea tree oil. It's best to use this in the water anytime the fish have been under stress, or if there have been signs of biting and nipping or rough handling. Tea tree oil can be purchased at any health food store.