by Kat Stovall

Created on: January 01, 2007   Last Updated: December 09, 2010

More often than not if you observe white spots on your fish's fins or bodies it is caused by a common aquarium disease called Ick. Very appropriately named, Ick will cover your fish one by one or in small groups until it causes death. Any one who has ever owned an aquarium for any length of time has dealt with ick. As, a previous pet store owner I have had to deal with it for my own aquariums and those of my customers. First, I want to explore of few of the causes of Ick then how to dispel it from your aquarium.

The three main causes of Ick.

1. Adding new fish to your tank that are already infected. This happens quite often because new aquarium hobbyist do not realize the signs and symptoms of this disease. When the new fish is added the other quickly contact the disease when they "check out" the new neighbor in their tank.

2. Changing water conditions. If your tank's temperature is constantly fluctuating, if you are doing large water changes to often, or if you are adding chemicals to often this causes stress on your fish and often causes Ick.

3. Poor water conditions. If you do not do proper water changes, have proper heating, over feeding, or if you do not have proper filtration you may be causing your tank to suffer. High ammonia (number one killer of fish), extreme algae growth, murky or smelly water are all signs that your aquarium has poor water conditions. This like changing water conditions causes stress which will leave your fish vulnerable.

How to treat Ick.

1. What is causing the problem. Did you add fish? How are your water conditions? If you have multiple tanks are you using a different net in each one so not to transport any bacteria or disease from tank to tank?

2. What to use. There are many great products on the market that are affordable and easy to use. My favorites are Noxic, Ich Gaurd 1, and Ich Gaurd 2. If you have special fish such as catfishes, scaleless, or rare fish then make sure the product you use is safe for all your fish. Ask the pet store employees for help. If they don't seem sure ask someone else. Always do you your own research. Don't trust their word just because they work in a pet shop. They are paid to be there.

3. Treating your aquarium. Always read and follow the instructions on whatever product you buy. Follow these instructions closely and to the exact word for success.

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