Another question..  (Ich)

[coraljackie]

Does anyone know the specific causes of ICH??  I had an outbreak in my small (10gal) tank a couple of months ago (not many survivors *sob*) and I'm still unsure of where it might have come from..  it would be a disaster in my bigger tanks, and would like to prevent it if possible.

For keeping aquariums as long as I have I know pathetically little about this disease!

 

[jbfootin]

Re: Another question..  (Ich)

"For keeping aquariums as long as I have I know pathetically little about this disease! " 

That is a good thing! Count your blessings  *thumbsup2*

I hear aquarium salt helps prevent some of these diseases.

Jay

 

[coraljackie]

Re: Another question..  (Ich)

Well, I'm on the right track, since I usually add a couple teaspoons of salt each water change  

 

[JWright]

Re: Another question..  (Ich)

Ich is caused by a parasite that is almost always present in you tank, but your fish's immune system is generally strong enough to fight it off. It's kind of like the "common cold" of the fish world. If your fish's immune system is weakened by stress (brought on by poor water conditions, etc.), then they are much more prone to getting sick.

I wouldn't reccomend adding salt to your freshwater tank for no reason. If your fish do contract ich, salt can be an effective treatment (1.5 tsp of table salt per gallon will generally do the trick), but it's not very good as a general "tonic." For a more in depth look at the use of salt in freshwater tanks, check out RTR's excellent article at http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/salt.shtml Pay particular attention to the various parts of Myth #3.

HTH,
Josh