How to Remove Ich

Ich, pronounced ̶0;ick,̶1; is a common condition that affects fish, caused by the parasite ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Also called the ̶0;white spot disease,̶1; ich causes white spots on the body and gills of the fish, but sometimes only on the gills. If your fish has ich, he may rub or scratch on the bottom or sides of the tank, or up against rocks. This is likely his effort to alleviate himself of the painful parasite, says the fish information website aboutfishonline.com. If left untreated, ich can cause loss of appetite, respiratory distress and even death. Fortunately, there are ways in which to cure your fish from this uncomfortable condition.

Things You'll Need

Formulin
Copper sulfate
Malachite green

Instructions

- 1
  Raise the temperature of your fish tank to between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours. The only time the ich parasite can be destroyed is when it is in its tomite stage, according to the veterinary website peteducation.com. A tomite is essentially the offspring of the ich parasite that continues the infection cycle and is scattered throughout the tank once released. Raising the temperature of the tank will quicken the length of time it takes for the ich to develop the tomites, making treatment occur faster.
- 2
  Use recently purchased formalin, copper sulfate or malachite green to treat the ich in the tank. Follow the directions on the label as to how much you should use, as it varies depending upon tank size.
- 3
  Remove your fish from the tank. If your fish are removed, the tomites will not have a host on which to survive. Therefore, the ich should die off in about two days, but to be safe, wait four days before you place your fish back in the tank. Remember to treat the tank you stored the fish in, or any other fish you place inside will contract ich. When your fish return to their normal tank and the ich that is bothering them matures and creates the tomites, the treatment that is already in the water will kill them.