by Christy

Created on: February 03, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

The best way to deal with ich and fungus, or most aquarium diseases for that matter, is through prevention. One of the most important things you can do for a fish tank, is a regular weekly water change of about 20-30%, depending on the size of the tank, the type of fish, and how stocked or overstocked it is. Ich and most other infections usually show up in fish when they're stressed. This can occur from temperature fluctuations, ph fluctuations, poor water conditions(ammonia, nitrites, high nitrates), incompatible fish, handling the fish, etc.

Another way to help prevent these problems, is to quarantine any new fish or fish you have that look sick. A small separate tank, about 10 gallons is usually enough. Keep the fish separated for at least 2 weeks to observe for signs of diseases.

If your fish does have ich or a fungus, I personally like the temperature method for treatment. No chemicals involved, which in my opinion is great! Just slowly raise the temperature of the tank to approximately 82-84 degrees F. for approximately 3-4 weeks. Do the regular weekly water changes, being sure to thoroughly vacuum/siphon the gravel/substrate area well. A little aquarium salt can also be added, the usual recommended dose is 1 tablespoon for every 5 US gallons. But, you have to remember, salt does not evaporate, and is only removed from the water when you do a water change. It's also recommended to mix the salt into a bucket of water first, do not add the salt directly to the tank.

If that method doesn't clear up the fungal infection, I like a product called PimaFix. It's an all natural remedy that won't harm the beneficial bacteria in the tank or the filter. If by some chance it still hasn't cleared up, my last step would be to go with an actual fungal medication. There's also a disease called Columnaris. It looks like a fungal infection, but is actually a bacterial infection, therefore requiring an antibiotic.

If it's a case of ich, and the temperature and/or salt method doesn't work, there is medications that will clear up the ich. Be sure to read the directions thoroughly on these medications though. A lot of tetras, scaleless fish like loaches, morymoriads like elephantnoses, don't tolerate this medicine very well. It'll actually burn them. The main ingredient in most of these meds is called malachite green, and is most likely going to stain your silicone inside your tank.

I prefer trying the more natural methods before using medications. The medications are stressful to a fish, and can ruin the whole cycle process in an aquarium. But, sometimes you have to go with those methods. But I recommend the natural ways first.

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