One of the diseases that commonly affect freshwater and marine aquarium fish is ick disease also known as ich. As a prevalent disease it is regarded as one of the diseases that cause most aquarium deaths. If a fish is lethargic and appears to have white small spots along its fins and body then it most likely has ich. Though there exists a number of treatments, there could be more harm caused than good if improperly administered. There are a couple of steps regarding how to clean a fish tank infected by ick disease.
A couple of items are needed before starting the process and these include a thermometer, aquarium heater and a holding tank. The first step involves examining the fish for any ich signs. Those that appear sluggish, not eating properly and have white small spots developing on their scales are mostly likely ich infected. The white spots are caused by the ich parasite that attaches itself and feeds of the scales thus irritating the skin.
Once the parasite has fed enough it develops a thick capsule after which it falls to the tanks bottom and starts multiplying. After step one, its time to turn on the aquarium heater until the water reaches 80F. Warm temperatures usually speed up the life cycle of the parasite so increasing the heat makes the parasite fall off the scales sooner than they would in low temperatures.
The step that follows entails moving the fish to a holding tank. The parasite will not stand a chance of survival without the host. To kill off any parasites that may be remaining, increase the temperature to 85F and let it remain there for the next 72 hours. After that you may now lower the temperature to the normal range and place the fish back in the tank.
The forth step entails adding formalin and malachite green to the tank. These two products can be purchased at a local aquarium supply store. They should be dispensed at the rate of 1ml per forty gallons or an approximation of four drops for a standard ten gallon tank.
Once the malachite green has penetrated the cyst around the parasites it kills them upon contact making it such as effective ich remedy. This treatment should be used in a cautious manner so that it does not cause any stains on the decorations found inside the aquarium.
During the final step on how to clean a fish tank infected by ick disease is when aquarium salt is added to the water to protect and keep the fish healthy. It is added as a way of balancing the minerals as well as to build a slime coat over the body of the fish which protects it from illnesses. Add a teaspoon per gallon and then agitate the water with a clean spoon for even distribution of salt.
A couple of items are needed before starting the process and these include a thermometer, aquarium heater and a holding tank. The first step involves examining the fish for any ich signs. Those that appear sluggish, not eating properly and have white small spots developing on their scales are mostly likely ich infected. The white spots are caused by the ich parasite that attaches itself and feeds of the scales thus irritating the skin.
Once the parasite has fed enough it develops a thick capsule after which it falls to the tanks bottom and starts multiplying. After step one, its time to turn on the aquarium heater until the water reaches 80F. Warm temperatures usually speed up the life cycle of the parasite so increasing the heat makes the parasite fall off the scales sooner than they would in low temperatures.
The step that follows entails moving the fish to a holding tank. The parasite will not stand a chance of survival without the host. To kill off any parasites that may be remaining, increase the temperature to 85F and let it remain there for the next 72 hours. After that you may now lower the temperature to the normal range and place the fish back in the tank.
The forth step entails adding formalin and malachite green to the tank. These two products can be purchased at a local aquarium supply store. They should be dispensed at the rate of 1ml per forty gallons or an approximation of four drops for a standard ten gallon tank.
Once the malachite green has penetrated the cyst around the parasites it kills them upon contact making it such as effective ich remedy. This treatment should be used in a cautious manner so that it does not cause any stains on the decorations found inside the aquarium.
During the final step on how to clean a fish tank infected by ick disease is when aquarium salt is added to the water to protect and keep the fish healthy. It is added as a way of balancing the minerals as well as to build a slime coat over the body of the fish which protects it from illnesses. Add a teaspoon per gallon and then agitate the water with a clean spoon for even distribution of salt.
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