Before we begin discussing dealing with, and treating sick fish, a few things should be commonly understood:

1. A fish's immune system works very much like that of humans. Stress is the most common reason for their immune system to drop, resulting in a fish being much less likely to ward off infectious parasites and bacterium's.
2. Stress can be the result of;
   • temperature
     The most common
     fluctuations
   • high concentrations of harmful chemicals such as, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.
   • abnormally high or low pH.
   • aggressive fish
   • extreme changes in environment such as excessively large water changes, adding of new fish, or moving their tank.
3. Improper medicating or mixing of medications can also have disastrous results.

Bacterial or fungal infections-infections from bacteria's and fungus present themselves in many different forms. Cloudy Eye, Fin Rot, Septicemia, Pop-eye, just to name a few. These infections can be more deadly to fish then parasites.

Treatment:

• Because the most common reason for a bacterial infection is the result of poor water quality, the very FIRST action should be that of a water test. Ammonia, pH, nitrite, nitrate. A water change should be done depending on the results.
• Antibiotics is the preferred medication for treating an infection. Care should be taken in choosing the appropriate one. Many antibiotics, if used incorrectly or without proper care can be more dangerous to your tank then the initial infection. Asking opinions and advice in which medication to use could make the difference between tragedy and success.
• Carbon should be removed from filtration to avoid removing the medicine.
• A water change, after treatment, will remove excess chemicals.
• Frequent water testing should be to done after treatment to prevent spikes in ammonia or nitrite.
  
  
  

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifilis)-most commonly known as white spot. Appears to look like grains of salt. Usually presents on pectoral fins first.

Treatment:

• Test water (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
• Remove stress factors if known.
• Raise water temperature (82 degrees F)
• Medicate for 10-14 days. A copper based medication (Quick Cure) is a good option. Should only be used with lights off and scaleless fish should be 1/2 dosed. Should NOT be used with inverts.
• Discontinue carbon filtration during treatment
• Perform water changes between treatments (3 days of treatment followed by a water change.