by Virginia Gaces

Created on: October 26, 2008

Just as the famous quotation goes: "Prevention is better than cure," so it is with water fishes.

Prevention of Ichthyophthirius multifilis or commonly called water ich/ick can only be done through proper hygiene and environmental sanitation; this means that the cleanliness and proper maintenance of the aquarium should be ascertained.

The following measures could be done to prevent water ick:

1. * The species ich is a water protozoan which resides in fishes as parasites. Parasitic infection is the result of dirty and unhygienic environment; hence, regular changing of the aquarium water would ensure prevention.

The water should be changed partially everyday or fully, at least 3 times a week. This will ensure that whatever accidental contaminants in the water would be discarded before they could create harm.

2. * Be sure to wash whatever decorations or base mats you have adorned the aquarium with. The abundance of water plants may serve as a nurturing nutrient for microorganisms so they should be minimized or removed totally.

3. * Isolate immediately any fish that shows any sign of gasping, abnormal swimming or change in color. The appearance of white spots is the primary danger sign. Isolate the fish and be ready to give treatment if needed. This would prevent the spread of the disease or condition.

4. * Make sure that there is enough room for all of your fishes in the aquarium; so many fishes in so little space will definitely lead to diseases as the oxygen available would be insufficient.

5. * Feed the fish only appropriate food. Avoid irregular feeding hours. The inconsistent feeding time could make your fish sick.

If the disease is already there then these are the treatment measures:

1. * As previously mentioned, when you notice small, white spots in your fish, isolate immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.

2. * The water tank should be changed everyday. This would discard the eggs which are present outside the fish and prevent further entry into other fishes. This is because these parasitic organisms reside within the fish and would multiply if left unchecked.

3. * The temperature of the water should be increased to lessen the viability of the parasites. A higher temperature shortens the life span of ich.

4. * A medicine which is recommended by a veterinarian could be used to treat the diseases; some of these are the hydrochloride family like quinine. Nitrofurazone and metronidazole could also be used.

The treatment should last at least for two weeks to be able to kill all the trophozoites or other forms of the parasite. Usually one tablet of these drugs in 10 gallons of clean water, is sufficient. There are many commercially available drugs for ich. The treatment should last at least two weeks to be effective.

The significant words are prevention and early treatment. Follow all the precautions in the maintenance of an aquarium, and water ich would not be contracted by your fish.

In cases that it does, be quick to institute early treatment.

Be aware of these facts, so you could savor the joys of nurturing a fish as a pet and a hobby.

Learn more about this author, Virginia Gaces.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.