Will UV kill white spot (itch)??

[Ramesh]

I have bought some fish on Sunday and a few of them have died and on closer inspection of the survivours I found them to be suffering from white spot.
The fish are small and young so I want to buy a UV in the hope I won't need to use chemicals.
Will UV do the job and quick??

 

[Oosh]

No. If you want to avoid chemicals try raising the temperature to 30C and adding some salt.
But be careful that the fish you keep can handle those conditions.

Best read this article, you need to have a good understanding of Ich's live cycle if you want to fight it effectively, and it covers the treatment options (incl. the above).

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php

 

[Lupin]

The only time ich can be destroyed by the UV is if they are free swimming and passing the system. Raise the temp and add salt at a dose of a tablespoon per 5g. It will not matter whether you are using 'aquarium' salt or table salt. Dissolve salt thoroughly and gradually add to the tank. Do not dump the salt straight to the tank as it will result in osmotic shock which can kill your fish.

 

[Ramesh]

I know only the free swimming stage is the one that is vulnerable to different treatments.
I just thought that UV may zap them in this stage rather than chemicals.
I have my temp up already but I will increase it.
Is salt ok for TSN catfish??

 

[Lupin]

Salt should be fine. Like I said, just dissolve thoroughly and add gradually. Works for loaches, snails and other bottom dwellers.

 

[Ramesh]

Thank you, I am on to it.