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Posted: 2007-01-22
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White Spot On Freshwater
Aquarium Fish
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Crowding enables nasty germs to get a foothold. That is why feeder fish (fish
that is used to feed carnivorous fish) always carry bugs because they are
shipped in big numbers in small space. There was one time I introduced some
feeder Sarasa Goldfish and the whole tank got ich.
Fish in 100% cleaned tank with 100% new water can get ich more easily. The tank
environment must be cultivated patiently until it reaches biologically steady
state. Fish in such tank will hardly get disease because they are not under
stress.
Ich is the short name of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. They burrow under
the fishes' skin and suck fish juices. The fish tries to protect itself by
growing a covering over the invaders – hence the characteristic white spot. The
tail and fin will rot and the fish dies if it is not treated. It is treated by
salt purchased from aquarium shop. Do not use table salt because it may have
contain unnatural additives. Salt dip kills the germ and helps fish build
protective slime coat against germs. The protective slime coat cannot be created
in low temperature but that is not a concern in hot countries unless you
purposely put ice into your tank. I actually saved one white-spotted Goldfish by
salt-dipping it. Take note that do not throw the fish into a salt dip with high
salinity but to start with low concentration and increase it slowly. Do not use
chemical (for example blue drop) as it does not do good to the environment in
the tank. Use it only if salt is not helping. Good quality water and minimal
stress helps fishes ward off ich and other infestations without medications.
Example of stress: fright, too much light, no hiding places, bullies, crowding,
ammonia, nitrite, insufficient aeration or filtration, overfeeding, water too
hard or too soft, too much fresh tap water. |
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I categorize this article under Petting.
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