Tuesday, November 13, 2012

How To Clean A Fish Tank Infected By Ick Disease

By Boh Chang Min


Ick also referred to as ich is a disease common in freshwater and marine aquarium fish. This is such a prevalent disease that is mostly considered as one of the top causes of death in aquarium fish. Symptoms include fish becoming lethargic with a number of small and white spots along the fins and body. There are several kinds of treatments for this disease that exist which have the potential to cause more harm than good if administered improperly. The following are steps on how to clean a fish tank infected by ick disease.

The items that will be needed for this process include a holding tank, thermometer and aquarium heater. You may begin the process by first examining the fish while checking for any sign of ich. Those affected will have white and small spots on their scales, appear sluggish and refuse to eat. The white spots are as a result of parasites that cause ich which attach themselves on the scales and feed of them eventually causing skin irritation.

Once the parasite has fed enough it develops a thick capsule after which it falls to the tanks bottom and starts multiplying. After step one, its time to turn on the aquarium heater until the water reaches 80F. Warm temperatures usually speed up the life cycle of the parasite so increasing the heat makes the parasite fall off the scales sooner than they would in low temperatures.

Next you should remove the fish and put them in the holding tank. The parasite will not survive without the host. Any remaining parasites should be killed by raising the temperature to 85F and maintaining it there for about 72 hours. Before placing the fish back, first lower the temperature to its normal range.

The third step is followed by adding malachite and formalin green to the water. You may but these products from the local aquarium supply store. Dispensing these products should be done at the rate of one ml for every 40 gallons or approximately four drops for every 10 gallons.

The malachite green is put so that it can penetrate the ich parasite cyst and kill the parasite once there is contact which is why this product is regarded as an effective treatment for ich disease. Its advisable to use this product cautiously because it can leave stains on the decorations inside your aquarium.

During the final step on how to clean a fish tank infected by ick disease is when aquarium salt is added to the water to protect and keep the fish healthy. It is added as a way of balancing the minerals as well as to build a slime coat over the body of the fish which protects it from illnesses. Add a teaspoon per gallon and then agitate the water with a clean spoon for even distribution of salt.




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