Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Ich in Discus Fish

As much as we like to free our discus fish from suffering any ailment caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, there would come a time that any of these pathogens can get past through your watch. Sometimes, the problem can be easily managed. However, serious cases can occur and this can bring headache to you as the owner.

In this article, we will take a look on a common parasitic infection that can severely affect discus fish – Ich. These are small, white, clear spots you can see scattered on the bodies of the discus. Yes, this disease is highly contagious. They spread rapidly from one fish to another and if left unchecked, can engulf the entire inhabitants of the tank. Aquarists swear on the fact that without treatment, ich can cause death on the fish.

Causes

Ich doesn’t just happen on the fish “for no reason.” Some of the underlying causes for its appearance would be the animal itself getting stressed which makes them very susceptible to ich infection. As it is often the case, these parasites are brought by newcomers who are not properly quarantined. Combine that with weakened system and an ich outbreak in the tank isn’t far from happening.

Symptoms

One of the apparent signs that your tank is infected includes white spots found on the skins, gills, or fins of the fish. It gives off the impression that your fish has salt on its skin. The affected fish may exhibit drastic behaviour like appetite loss, decreased activity, irritability, and flashing.

It’s kind of dangerous when the ich infection is happening in the gills. Obviously, the white spots can’t be seen and thus, the discus fish may be suffering in silence. In this case, it is advised to check on their gills. When infected, this part should appear pale and swollen. Needless to mention, the swelling definitely can affect their breathing. This in turn endangers the life of the fish.

Treatment

Popular suggestions from aquarists when it comes to treating ich infection would include raising the water temperature and adding substances.

The purpose of increasing water temperature to 86 degrees or above is to hasten the life cycle of the ick. This heated condition helps to get them off the fish. Once they are in the “free swimming” stage, it would be impossible for the creature to survive especially when the water is treated. As with the concern for the fish, discus can definitely handle the high temp.

Speaking of water treatment, most fish hobbyists add considerate amount of salt into the tank. This prevents the ick from sticking back again to the fish. Others would use garlic, although the exact method of applying is still unknown.

Should worse comes to its worst, man-made chemicals can be employed to eradicate ich on water. The most common brand that anyone can get off the store shelf would be Ridall Anti-Ich.

What are the methods and techniques you use in treating Ich infection in your tank of discus fish? We would love to hear about them in the comments below.

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