Ich is short for the name of a ciliated protozoan of the genus Ichthyophthirius. Ich is usually present all the time in aquaria in small numbers, just like germs are in the air we breathe. However, when a fish suffers from extreme stress, such as a sudden drop in temperature, its resistance is lowered and it becomes vulnerable to diseases. Ich outbreaks also occur after the introduction of new fish to an established aquarium.

The bulging eye may have a thin layer of ’skin’ around it, this is a tough tissue that covers the eye keeping it in the socket and as the eye bulges it stretches the ’skin’ with it. The fish may also get less active and show no interest in food. Fungus infections can show up afterwards.

The effectiveness of any UV sterilizer is determined by the UV bulb wattage, the age of the UV bulb, how clean the quartz sleeve is and the flow rate of the unit.

In nature, ich is not much of a problem. There are large numbers of fish to which tomites can attach. And with the greater amount of water volume, it’s likely that many ich organisms do not even find a host. However, in a closed system like an aquarium, ich re-infects the same fish over and over, resulting in severe infestations. That’s why it can be such a problem.

While ich is encysted on the fish, no medicine can affect it. But once it’s free-swimming, it can be killed. Since the life cycle of ich takes at least three days at 80 degrees to complete, ich must be treated for at least four days. I prefer to treat for a week.

The affected fish should be immediately taken out to be separately treated. It is difficult to specify a specific treatment unless the main cause is definitely known. Large daily water changes should help, if not Epsom salts has been used with good results to draw the fluid out. One tablespoon per 5 gallons of water for at least three days, longer if necessary. Epsom salts isn’t really salt (sodium chloride) it is Magnesium Sulfate. If water quality is the problem, a 50 percent water change must be made as soon as possible.

Nowadays Ultra Violet sterilizers can be found in local pet stores and they can definitely be found online. Look on eBay or similar auction sites for good deals on second hand and even brand new units. Since they are very expensive, you will want to research the unit you’re interested in getting before investing in one. Use a search engine to find reviews on tropical fish forums and discussion boards. Since you will usually need to change out the bulb every 6 months or so, find out how much a replacement bulb costs. The replacement bulb price may help when comparison shopping.

Until the water readings are correct. Overstocking is a common problem for high water readings. Another common reason would be decaying dead fish and fish food. The tank should be thoroughly searched for any dead fish and precautions must be taken NOT TO OVER FEED, and if the tank is overstocked, steps should be taken in finding some of your fish another good home. If a bacterial infection is the cause we would recommend ‘Maracyn’, ‘Maracyn II’, ‘eSHa 2000′ and ‘Anti-internal bacteria’ for treatment.

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