What is Ich (White Spot Disease)?

Ich, also known as white spot disease, is a sadly common parasitic infection in freshwater fish and aquariums. It is caused by the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, yeah, I know… Fancy. That’s why we just say, “Ich.” It appears as small white spots on the body, fins, and gills. Because of the enclosed space, this disease can spread quickly in aquariums. This is why early detection is so important. The early you spot it, isolate the affected fish, and treat them, the quicker will prevent severe, tank-wide outbreaks. If your fish have Ich, it’s not your fault. Most aquariums have Ich; however, if the fish are kept in a healthy, well-kept environment, they will be less stressed and they’ll constantly fight it off. If your fish aren’t stressed out, should not contract the Ich that is present in the tank.

How Do You Identify Ich in Fish?

Identifying ich is relatively straightforward, because it has pretty distinct symptoms. Look for the following signs:

• Small white spots on the fish’s body, fins, and gills.
• Fish may rub against objects in the tank, like they are itching themselves (sometimes called “flashing”).
• They may appear as if they are laboring to breath or gasping for air near the waters surface.
• They may eat less than normal and appear lethargic and slow.

These symptoms typically appear after adding new fish to your aquarium or maybe after a significant change in the conditions of the water. Again, anything that may cause the fish to be stressed can induce Ich.

How to Tell the Difference Between Ich and Epistylis?

While Ich (white spot disease) and Epistylis can appear similar due to the presence of white spots on fish, they are caused by different organisms and each requires different treatments. Here is how you can distinguish between Ich and Epistylis:

Appearance of Spots

• Ich: The white spots caused by ich are usually small, round, and they are evenly distributed over the body of the fish, and their fins, and gills. They can even look like grains of salt.
• Epistylis: The spots caused by Epistylis are more irregular in shape and usually appear in more cluster like shapes, different than the uniform appearance of Ich. They are particularly around wounds or damaged areas on the fish’s body. They can have a kind of fuzzy or cottonish appearance.

Location of Spots

• Ich: Ich spots are typically found all over the fish. This includes their gills, fins, and all over their body. They are usually evenly or uniformly distributed. The spots are also never seen on the fish’s eyes.
• Epistylis: Epistylis is typically more localized. It often appears on specific areas of the fish, like the mouth, fins, or where there is tissue damage. Opposite of Ich, Epistylis can be found on the eyes.

It can be difficult to spot the difference on certain fish, but it’s so important to be able to distinguish between these two illnesses. This is because using the wrong treatment can be ineffective or even harmful to your fish. If you are not sure whether your fish has ich or epistylis, I would snap a few good photo’s and take them to your local fish store. There are also great groups on Facebook for people with aquariums. They are always happy to help!

How Can You Treat Fish with Ich?

Luckily, there are a few effective ways to treat ich. These range from over-the-counter medications to more natural cures. Here are some of the most common ways to treat Ich:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Medications like Ich-X and Kordon Rid Ich Plus are some of the top most used medicines for treating ich. These medications usually contain chemicals like formaldehyde, malachite green, or methylene blue, which are effective in killing lots of parasites.

Aquarium Salt Treatment

Another method to cure Ich is Aquarium salt. The best way to use aquarium salt is in a separate tank, if possible. This is usually referred to as a “hospital tank.” It’s a temporary space for for the fish while they recover. All you need to do is slowly increase the concentration of salt in the water, which eventually helps to eliminate the parasite. Follow the dosage instructions on the package to avoid harming your fish. Do not use table salt for this process, because table salt has iodine in it. Here is what I use: API Aquarium Salt

Raising Water Temperature

You can also cure Ich by simply increasing the temperature of the water to about 82-86°F (28-30°C). By doing this, you can speed up the life cycle of the ich parasite, making it more vulnerable to treatments. While this method can be used alone, can be even more effective when combined with other treatments, like medicine or salt.

Natural Remedies

Some aquarists prefer natural solutions, such as garlic or herbal ich treatments. While these can be effective, they are not as reliable as some of the more conventional medications.

What is the Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Ich?

Step 1: Set Up a Quarantine Tank

If it’s possible, move infected fish to a separate quarantine tank. This will prevent the spread of ich to other fish in the main aquarium. Just make sure the quarantine tank has proper filtration, heating, and aeration. I usually add an independent air stone into the water.

Step 2: Begin Treatment

Start by administering the treatment plan, whether that is medication, salt, or increased temperature. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and duration treatment.

Step 3: Monitor Your Fish

Keep a close eye on your fish during the treatment process. Look for signs of improvement or any negative reactions to the treatment, like swimming or behavior changes. Like antibiotics, don’t stop any of these treatment methods at the first sign of the fish being better. Continue the treatment for the full recommended time period. The symptoms may disappear before the parasite is actually gone.

Step 4: Water Changes

Because the hospital tank is not cycled, frequent water changes are required during and after treatment process to remove any remaining parasites and toxins. Check the water parameters, and make sure they are stable to reduce stress on the fish.

Step 5: Clean the Aquarium

After treatment is fully finished, thoroughly clean your aquarium. Be sure to include the substrate, decorations, and equipment, to remove any lingering, gross, parasites.

How Can You Prevent Future Ich Outbreaks?

Like most aquarium catastrophes, preventing ich altogether is a lot easier than treating it. Here are some tips to help keep your aquarium ich-free:

Quarantine New Fish

It’s so hard to do, but if you can, always quarantine new fish for at least two weeks before adding them to your main aquarium. This helps prevent the introduction of ich and other diseases, because you will be observing the new fish for the time period where an illness could pop up. Ich may take a week to appear, which is why you need to quarantine the new fish for two weeks. If the process is rushed, you may add the fish into the tank the day a sickness appears. Bummer…

Maintain Water Quality

As it was said earlier, Ich can be avoided by keeping your fish stress free. The best way to do that is to keep your aquarium water clean and stable. Do regular water changes and monitoring water parameters. Poor water quality can stress fish, making them more likely to get diseases like ich. If you want more info this, take a look at our blog post on good maintenance practices for your aquarium

Early Detection

Keep an eye on your fish. Watch for signs of illness, like odd swimming behaviors, fins held close to their bodies, or changes in eating habits. Catching things early allows for quicker treatment, lowering the overall risk of a severe outbreak.

Ich (white spot disease) is a common, but treatable condition in aquarium fish. If you are able to follow the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively treat ich without issues, and you can prevent future outbreaks all together. Remember, the key is early detection and quick action.