Ich

[Big_al_d]

Hi guys,

I know ich is widely discussed on here, and i'm aware of some useful ways to clear it up, including (but not limited to) turning up the heat and possible medication.

But, what is the best way to PREVENT it? (based on 'prevention is better than cure').

My Betta started hovering at the surface of the tank yesterday and looked all sorry for himself. After a couple of hours I noticed small white dots on his fins. Straight away I upped the temp to 85 and this morning he was much better - I think I managed to catch it fairly early on

I've noticed the outbreak is consistent with the last one, in as much as it was a couple of days after feeding fozen bloodworm I've read in several places that frozen live food can carry ich.... but everywhere also suggests I supplement the pellets/flake food with frozen food!!

Should I throw away the frozen bloodworm and buy some from a different LFS? Or are there measures I can take to prevent mr Betta (The Guv'nor) from picking it up in future?

Any advice/help/pointers greatly appreciated, as always

 

[tstenback]

The best way of preventing (if this is possible) any disease is to ensure the fish have the best possible environment (clean, levels proper for the fish,water changes,etc.) and that the fish are fed an appropriate diet.
If you are sure there is a connection between the bloodworms and the ich then dump the bloodworms, in fact dump them anyway. Why take the chance?
Remember to treat the ich for longer than it appears on the fish. I usually treat for about 3 weeks or so this will give you the best possible chance of removing as much of the virus as possible since it can only be killed in its free swimming stage.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

The best way to prevent ich is clean water and low stress.

What size tank/bowl is your betta in? Here are some things you can consider:

-get a larger container. The more water volume there is in the aquarium the easier it is to keep it balanced and clean.
-provide cover for the fish. Without cover a fish that is spooked can't hide, and stress can increase considerably because of this.
-proper water changes. This is especially important in small containers that betta's tend to be kept in. You can't change the water too often in these cases.
-make sure you keep the fish with compatible tankmates. No fish in the tank should be stressed.

I can't comment on the blood worms except to say I've been using frozen foods for a long time without an outbreak of ich.

 

[Big_al_d]

Thanks for the input so far.

I have a 10 gallon bi-orb. I test the water every day and there is nil trace of Ammo/Nitrites and all other readings are fine. Ph is 7.25.

I have 2 artificial plants in there anda rock with a big hole in - lot's of hiding places

In there are a couple of dalmation mollies and a glass ghost fish. All fish get on fine and don't really bother eachother.

What worried me about the food is: (search for ICH on following link)

Betta diseases

Guess i'll chuck away the frozen stuff. Maybe a dodgy batch? How about dried bloodworm, are they as good?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

how about dried bloodworm, are they as good?

They will do the job.