Cause: Citiliate protozoans(Ichthyophthirius multifilis).
Signs of Disease:
- Small white spots up to 1/25 inch in diameter and looking like grains of salt appear on fins and skin.
- Fish scratch against rocks and gravel
- In advance stage fish become lethargic and some redness or bloody streaks may also appear
Treatment:
Raise water temperature
Medicate for 10-14 days
Reduce medication when treating scaleless fish
Discontinue carbon filtration during treatment
Perform water changes between treatments
The entire cycle takes about two weeks from start to finish. Higher temps will shorten the cycle, while low temps lengthen it. Therefore, raising the water temp shortens the time it takes for the parasite to reach the stage in which it is susceptible to medication.
Treatments must be given for a long enough period to assure that all parasites are gone. Watch carefully for other infections, as secondary infections often occur where the skin has been damaged by the parasite. Although nothing kills the parasite once it has checked into it’s fish "hotel", several chemicals kill ich once it has left the fish. Malachite green, methylene blue, quinine hydrochloride, and mepracrine hydrochloride are all effective, and are available under several brand names.
Dose based on the package instructions, however cut dosages in half when treating scaleless catfish and tetras. Regardless of the medication used, treatment should be given continuously for 10-14 days to ensure all parasites are killed. Between treatments a partial water change is recommended. Keep water temperatures higher than usual to speed up the life cycle of the parasite. Discontinue carbon filtration during treatment, as it will remove the chemicals.
Prevention:
Quarantine new fish for two weeks
Treat plants before adding to tank
Maintain high water quality
Provide fish with a nutritionally balanced diet
Photo Credit: http://www.fishtankguy.com/health.php
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