Removing Ich From Aquariums

Ich, a protozoan parasite, is the most common form of fish illness that occurs in captive aquariums. While ich may exist in all aquariums, it generally doesn't appear until fish are under stress. Once the fish̵7;s immune system is compromised, it can no longer fight off ich parasites. Affected fish in the tank begin to exhibit symptoms such as poor gill health, scratching along the bottom and sides of the tank, lack of appetite and death.

  1. Types of Medication

    • The first necessary step in removing ich from any aquarium is to treat the tank with the correct medication. Most fish supply stores carry different brands of ich remover. Some medications aren't formulated for scale-less fish and must be given in half dosages to prevent overstressing the fish. Salt is also used to treat ich. However, not all fish are salt tolerant. As a result, before using any medications not specifically designed for aquariums, find out if your aquarium community can tolerate salt as a tonic.

    Administering Medication

    • Ich medications are more effective when water temperatures are warmer. Over a period of a few days before treating the tank, gradually increase the tank temperature to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the directions according to the manufacture to prevent stressing your fish. When using salt as an ich tonic, add one teaspoon of salt for each gallon of water and increase water changes during this time to more than once a week. If your fish can tolerate it, a 50 percent water change daily can be highly effective in treating severe cases of ich.

    Habitat and School Size

    • An overcrowded fish tank is more susceptible to recycling ich problems even after treatment. When fish have inadequate space to swim or to feel safe, it weakens their immune system. As a result, normal amounts of protozoa in the tank can lead to continuous ich outbreaks. Arranging your fish̵7;s habitat to allow adequate swimming and hiding space reduces stress. The safer your fish feel, the more likely they are to respond positively to treatment.

    Diet and Feeding Factors

    • Feeding your fish a quality and varied diet increases the immune system of fish, making them less prone to developing ich under stress and more capable of fighting off ich during treatment. Overfeeding fish increases waste in the tank and stresses the fish, which makes them more susceptible to illness. Keeping tank water at optimal conditions for the species of fish in your tank reduces the amount of harmful bacteria and parasites that are likely to cause health problems.