Ich... What It Is And How Do I Avoid It...

Hello, I have been reading Threads here and I encounter the word ICH many times. I am new so I have no clue what ICH is and how to identified it or even better, prevent it. I am on the process of selecting and researching what type of fish I will be putting on my new 30 gallon long tank and I want to avoid as many issues or headache as possible. I started with a 10 gallon a couple months ago and I still dealing with getting rid of snails that where multiplying like crazy. So.... learning from my experiences, I am trying to be careful this time. Bigger tank, bigger problems... lol

Please somebody orient me on this, thank you so much for your time!!!
Sol

 

Ich or ick is the most common fish diseases known. It is a parasite that is characterized by white spots presenting themselves on fish. When they mature they release off of the fish and attach themselves onto new fish and invade their bodies. If not treated it is a death sentence. The best and safest treatment is turning the tank temp up to 85 degrees for 1-2 weeks and dosin with low levels of salt. The heat causes the life cycle to speed up and then to detach the salt then kills the free floating parasite. To prevent it you should quarantine all new fish and live plants for 2 weeks in a quarantine tank and watch for signs of ick or any other diseases befor introducing them into your display tank. It is caused by the parasite but more common in times of stress for the fish since this lowers their immune system and makes them more susceptible to disease. Regular water changes and quarintining fish and live plants is the most effective preventative measure for ich. Also during the treatment you do many water changes to get the freefloating parasites out of the water.

 

Ich or ick is the most common fish diseases known. It is a parasite that is characterized by white spots presenting themselves on fish. When they mature they release off of the fish and attach themselves onto new fish and invade their bodies. If not treated it is a death sentence. The best and safest treatment is turning the tank temp up to 85 degrees for 1-2 weeks and dosin with low levels of salt. The heat causes the life cycle to speed up and then to detach the salt then kills the free floating parasite. To prevent it you should quarantine all new fish and live plants for 2 weeks in a quarantine tank and watch for signs of ick or any other diseases befor introducing them into your display tank. It is caused by the parasite but more common in times of stress for the fish since this lowers their immune system and makes them more susceptible to disease. Regular water changes and quarintining fish and live plants is the most effective preventative measure for ich. Also during the treatment you do many water changes to get the freefloating parasites out of the water.

If there is a way of prevent it? I mean, I have no clue if any of my fish have it right now. Is there any preventing treatment?

 

Besides keeping up with water changes and quarintining fish before adding them to the display tank their really isn’t. That’s the worst part about ick, sometimes you don’t know what caused it. If you’re fish have white salt-like spots on their fins or on their body it’s likely ich, they will be a lot more lathargic. The good thing is it’s pretty easy to spot.

 

The best way to prevent ich is QT new fish. But if that fish doesn't get along with the other fish, there's a chance the flowers will bloom. The best way to ward this off is to make sure you watch your tank and the fish when they eat and you clean.

 

Besides keeping up with water changes and quarintining fish before adding them to the display tank their really isn’t. That’s the worst part about ick, sometimes you don’t know what caused it. If you’re fish have white salt-like spots on their fins or on their body it’s likely ich, they will be a lot more lathargic. The good thing is it’s pretty easy to spot.

Probably I will be looking at my fish as soon as I get home from work. Maybe taking some pictures and putting them here to be sure lol thank you so much for your help.

The best way to prevent ich is QT new fish. But if that fish doesn't get along with the other fish, there's a chance the flowers will bloom. The best way to ward this off is to make sure you watch your tank and the fish when they eat and you clean.

So if a fish doesn't get along with the others it can get ich?

 

So if a fish doesn't get along with the others it can get ich?

It could get ich but it could also defend it self and submit as well.

I think you're worrying too much about something that may or may not happen and it's out of your control. You can't go into this hobby thinking your fish will be healthy every time. A basketball player can't think about turning their ankle when playing, it's all part of the game.

 

It could get ich but it could also defend it self and submit as well.

I think you're worrying too much about something that may or may not happen and it's out of your control. You can't go into this hobby thinking your fish will be healthy every time. A basketball player can't think about turning their ankle when playing, it's all part of the game.

Well I'm cycling my tank and in the mean time I am using my time researching the best I can so if something comes up I have some idea of how to deal with it. Just reading the beginners threads that's all.

 

I know if one spends time on this or any of the fish keeping forums it would seem that every tank eventually gets ich. That really isn't the case. The reason it seems so is because those that have never dealt with it wouldn't have a reason to post that fact so we only see the ones that are experiencing it and need help getting rid of it.

I can't be 100% sure but would be willing to bet the majority of folks in this hobby have never had to deal with it. I know I haven't and I have had tanks for most of the past 35 years.

Personally I think the very best prevention is keeping up with water changes and trying to keep a peaceful tank. Just like stress can cause a lot of health problems for humans I believe it is the same for our water pets. I believe stress affects their immune system.

It is good that you are researching before hand though. Hopefully you will never have to deal with any of the many diseases that could happen but if you do you will already have a good idea as to what to do about it.

Good Job

 

I have a friend whom I consider to be a freshwater fish expert.
She feeds her fish New Life Spectrum Ick Shield once per month as a preventative measure.

She recommends fasting your fish for a couple of days before feeding them this medicated pellet food.

I asked if it's necessary to remove carbon when feeding this food and she says it is not necessary.

She gave me a sample and I'm going to try it.
It's expensive, but she swears by the stuff.

 

I have a friend whom I consider to be a freshwater fish expert.
She feeds her fish New Life Spectrum Ick Shield once per month as a preventative measure.

She recommends fasting your fish for a couple of days before feeding them this medicated pellet food.

I asked if it's necessary to remove carbon when feeding this food and she says it is not necessary.

She gave me a sample and I'm going to try it.
It's expensive, but she swears by the stuff.

I also use new life spectrum thera A+ to help booster their immune system but the reviews on if it actually prevents ich are very mixed. Some swear by it, but their are still reports of ich which feeding Thera A+. New life spectrum is an expensive food but it’s one of the best on the market and worth it to as a staple food. Uses whole fish, krill, shrimp, super low on filler and a to ln of vitamin additives for color and logenmvity, plus veggies and garlic for increasing the immune system and for the omnivorous fish. I bet you can’t tell I like NLS.

 

I know if one spends time on this or any of the fish keeping forums it would seem that every tank eventually gets ich. That really isn't the case. The reason it seems so is because those that have never dealt with it wouldn't have a reason to post that fact so we only see the ones that are experiencing it and need help getting rid of it.

I can't be 100% sure but would be willing to bet the majority of folks in this hobby have never had to deal with it. I know I haven't and I have had tanks for most of the past 35 years.

Personally I think the very best prevention is keeping up with water changes and trying to keep a peaceful tank. Just like stress can cause a lot of health problems for humans I believe it is the same for our water pets. I believe stress affects their immune system.

It is good that you are researching before hand though. Hopefully you will never have to deal with any of the many diseases that could happen but if you do you will already have a good idea as to what to do about it.

Good Job

Thank you so much for the encouraging comment, is very appreciated!!