How to treat fish ich white spots affordably and effectively?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 14th, 2018

  This may be a severe ich infection. It is an ectoparasite that can affect fish. You will need to treat the entire tank. You can use a commercial ich medication found in most pet stores. Follow label directions carefully. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks before adding them to the main tank. Another option would be to gradually increase tank temp to 86 F and hold it there for 2 weeks. This will speed up the lifecycle of the parasite. Once all the spots have dropped off the fish, perform a partial water change, vacuum the substrate and sanitize any tank furniture. Afterwards, gradually decrease water temp back to normal for goldfish, between 65 F and 72 F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water to aid in treatment and recovery. Since goldfish are cold water fish, this method may be stressful to them. Consider adding in a bubble wand or air stones to increase oxygenation during this time period.

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 8th, 2018

  Ich, or white spot disease, can take about two weeks to treat. You can increase water temp gradually to 86F. This will speed up the ich lifecycle. Once the spots fall off your fish, vacuum the substrate thoroughly, clean plants or tank furniture and rinse the filter media (with tank water). You can use a commercial ich treatment or dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water into the tank. Either are effective when used in conjunction with a temp increase. Whichever method you choose, treat for about 5 days after the last symptoms resolve then gradually decrease water temp back to normal for goldfish. This would be between 65F and 72F.

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on September 20th, 2018

  Maintaining pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes is the best way to prevent illness. Change no more than 30% of tank volume at a time. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F. Confirm the filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. To prevent illness or infection, always quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks prior to introducing to the main tank. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery when needed. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than 14 days at a time. Perform partial water changes afterwards to decrease salinity.

  

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