06/27/2026
Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to treating **White Spot Disease (Ich)** in your aquarium.
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# # # 🩺 How to Treat White Spot Disease (Ich)
* **Step 1: Isolate the Sick Fish (Optional but recommended)**
If only one or two fish are showing symptoms, move them to a separate quarantine tank. If the whole tank is infected, treat the main aquarium.
* **Step 2: Gradually Raise the Water Temperature**
Slowly increase the tank temperature to **28°C–30°C (82°F–86°F)** over 24 hours. Warm water speeds up the life cycle of the parasite, forcing it to leave the fish's body quicker.
* **Step 3: Increase Aeration (Oxygen)**
Warm water holds less oxygen. Add an air stone or turn up your filter to help your fish breathe easier during treatment.
* **Step 4: Perform a Water Change & Clean the Gravel**
Do a **25% to 30% water change** and use a gravel vacuum. The parasites drop to the bottom of the tank to multiply, so vacuuming the gravel physically removes them.
* **Step 5: Use Ich Medication**
Add a standard Ich medication containing **Malachite Green**, **Formalin**, or **Copper Sulfate** (available at pet shops).
> ⚠️ **Warning:** Remove any **activated carbon** from your filter before adding medicine, as carbon will absorb the medication and make it useless.
* **Step 6: Aquarium Salt (Alternative for hardy fish)**
If you prefer not to use heavy chemicals, you can add aquarium salt (1 to 3 teaspoons per gallon). *Note: Do not use this if you have scaleless fish like loaches or catfish.*
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# # # ⏳ How long does it take?
Continue the treatment for at least **4 to 7 days** after the last white spot disappears to ensure all remaining parasites in the water are completely dead.
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