Ich and cure...

[Gdevine]

The idea that a fish can over come infestation of a parasite isn't fantasy...it's more science and fact. But there are stipulations as there are many things in life.

The concept of "cure" is really simple when you think about it. Given a reasonable opportunity most fish can survive infestation of a parasite (they always do in the wild) if the fish is in otherwise a healthy state and not compromised by bad water quality.

Regular water changes is not an option; it's a requirement and at a minimum of 20% of total water volume per month. And moreover, the water needs to be siphoned from the substrate and not the top of the water column. Detritus gathers on the substrate and this is precisely where parasite breed and survive.

If the water quality in your tank is at optimal quality your fish has a better then reasonable chance to beat ich. And better yet, most fish that do survive a parasite infestation like ich will usually be more resistant in the future to other attacks.

There are two definitive axioms to consider:

1. Less light and food = less algae and,
2. Regular water changes siphoned from the bottom of the tank - less parasite infestations.

[ACBlinky]

Originally posted by Gdevine
Given a reasonable opportunity most fish can survive infestation of a parasite (they always do in the wild)

They do? Can you point me to a scientific article or other reliable resource that proves this? I highly doubt that wild fish always survive parasitic infections, or any other type of illness.

[Gdevine]

Sure; get the October issue of FAMA and read the atricle submission by Paul Speice "Ich Habe Ich".

Mr. Speice is a well known and respected aquarist for more then 55 years. He's known world wide both on TV and print regarding fish aquatic's and is a respected expert.

[Gdevine]

Originally posted by ACBlinky
They do? Can you point me to a scientific article or other reliable resource that proves this? I highly doubt that wild fish always survive parasitic infections, or any other type of illness.

One last point; if ich attacks a fish it then goes through its life cycle, matures after feeding on the fluids in a fish and burrows back our leaving the host free of the parasite.

In the closed loop aquarium, the same sequence applies, BUT the next wave of attackers land on the same exact fish. In the wild they have a significantly less chance of landing on the same exact and once infected fish as there are many more to land on....

It is this "constant" seige that kills fish in the confines of your tank...and not in the wild.