white spot

[tomh2591]

how do I treat whitespot in cold water fish

[hammerman]

Firstly, you need to find out why you got it....(transferred from new fish, poor water conditions, stress related etc). You also need to make sure that it's not "turbicles"....white bumps on the head of male cyprinids (goldfish, carp, shubunkins etc) which is an indication of spawning.

Is the fish in a pond or tank ? is the pond filtered with a UV. Does the tank have a filter ?

A bit of background will make a big difference

[showcatbenga]

'White spot' is also called 'ich' & is caused by a parasite. In most systems there are some & the fish appear 'resistant' to them but usually it only becomes a problem when something else is wrong - like poor water quality or other stress to the fish. Check your water, syphon out any build up of rotting organic matter, (dead plants or uneaten food) & correct any problems.
The white spot is an immune response of the fish's skin stretched over the organism & can also be present in deadly quantities without a white spot in sight!
The spot ruptures to release a packet this falls to the aquarium bottom where it swells, ruputing to release the free swimming stage by the thousand. These swim up seeking a host (fish) where they penetrate the skin & the cycle begins again! We can only kill them while they are free swimming. The speed taken to complete the cycle is temperature dependant & can remain under the skin for a week at below 60F. While you can treat with salt it takes quite a long time & will kill plants. I use a product from the pet shop by 'interpet' called 'anti white spot plus', cost �4ish. Which is two doses 4 days apart. However, I always use a third dose 4 days after the second one for complete control. Comes with measures & full instructions.