i know some of u can give me pointers on how to get rid of white spot. i just want an opinion of some one with more experince.
White Spot
- Thread starter thefishofdoom
- Start date
A simple and effective method is to add uniodized salt (not saltwater mix-changes pH)) at a tablespoon per gallon to the tank. And, raise the tank's temp to 84-85 degrees (no more than 2 degrees per day). The Ich fungus can't survive at this temp and the salt inhibits further fungal spread and enhances the fish's osmoregulatory system (immunity boost). Treat in this fashion for 7 to 10 days after the spots disappear and you should be fine (treatment is continued after the spots disappear because the visible fruiting bodies of the Ich is only one stage of the fungus' life cycle. The unseen spores and mycelia also have to be destroyed).
What type of fish are you having this problem with? Many fish are perfectly safe to use one of the many parasite treatments available at your local pet shop. THe salt and raising the temp method can work too but some fish don't deal with salt as well as others.
I'm sure this may stir the pot but adding salt doesn't kill parasites, neither does raising the temperature of the water. The primary reason for the addition of salt when dealing with parasites is to increase the fishes slime coat, this is thier natural defence against water bourne parasites. The reason for increasing the temperature is to speed up the life cycle of the parasite. Now I agree that with a minor out brake on a healthy aquarium, salt and raised temperature can work, but if you are having a major out brake, medication would be the more affective option. Again, it depends on what kind of fish you have,just like salt, some fish like catfish or other smooth skin fish are sensitive to copper / malachite green meds.
Another thing that I have found that helps is doing a large water change and vacuuming the gravel. THis will decrease the population of the parasite making the out brake much less.
To give a better answer to your question; What type of fish are you treating? A little info about your aquarium (size, filtration, how long it's up and running,water parameters, etc..) With the full picture of your aquarium, it's easier to offer advise.....Joel
I'm sure this may stir the pot but adding salt doesn't kill parasites, neither does raising the temperature of the water. The primary reason for the addition of salt when dealing with parasites is to increase the fishes slime coat, this is thier natural defence against water bourne parasites. The reason for increasing the temperature is to speed up the life cycle of the parasite. Now I agree that with a minor out brake on a healthy aquarium, salt and raised temperature can work, but if you are having a major out brake, medication would be the more affective option. Again, it depends on what kind of fish you have,just like salt, some fish like catfish or other smooth skin fish are sensitive to copper / malachite green meds.
Another thing that I have found that helps is doing a large water change and vacuuming the gravel. THis will decrease the population of the parasite making the out brake much less.
To give a better answer to your question; What type of fish are you treating? A little info about your aquarium (size, filtration, how long it's up and running,water parameters, etc..) With the full picture of your aquarium, it's easier to offer advise.....Joel
Fish that are already stressed don't need thermal shock.
I use 2 teaspoons salt per gallon, a bit less than Oddball, just my own habits I guess, some fish like corys and a lot of mormydids are salt sensitive, but most will handle that ammount for 10 days, no problem.
Salt does not kill the adult organisms but does kill the motile stage, this is why you continue to treat the full 10 days. The raise in temperature speeds it white spot's life cycle.
I use 2 teaspoons salt per gallon, a bit less than Oddball, just my own habits I guess, some fish like corys and a lot of mormydids are salt sensitive, but most will handle that ammount for 10 days, no problem.
Salt does not kill the adult organisms but does kill the motile stage, this is why you continue to treat the full 10 days. The raise in temperature speeds it white spot's life cycle.
guppy said:
I'd have to agree with Guppy ! He pointed me in the right direction and his method worked for me !