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There are a variety of fish diseases that can occur in the aquarium. Here are some of the most common diseases, their symptoms and possible treatments:

White spot disease

White spot disease is a common parasitic disease in aquariums and ponds caused by the unicellular parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Symptoms include small, white spots on fins, gill covers and the body of the fish that look like grains of salt. Affected fish may also secrete more mucus, show a reluctance to eat and try to rub themselves on objects in the aquarium or pond to get rid of the parasites.

The life cycle of the parasite consists of several stages, some of which are resistant to treatments. The parasite can only be successfully controlled during its free-swimming "swarming" stage. To accelerate the life cycle of the parasite and increase the probability of successful treatment, the water temperature should be increased by 3 °C (but to a maximum of 30 °C).

As a first treatment, we recommend the use of MICROBE-LIFT Herbtana, a natural immunostimulant that does not contain drugs and is better suited to strengthen the fish's immune system and help them fight the parasite. For stubborn cases, additional treatment options such as malachite green, copper sulfate or formalin may be considered. The addition of MICROBE LIFT Garlic can also help repel parasites and boost the fish's immune system.

Perform a water change of at least 30% and vacuum sludge to reduce parasite load. After treatment is complete, filter the water with MICROBE-LIFT Carbopure to remove drug residues and improve water quality.

Oodinium pillularis (velvet disease)

Velvet disease, also known as Oodinium infection or velvet fungus, is a common parasitic disease in aquariums and ponds caused by the unicellular parasite Oodinium pillularis. Symptoms include a velvety, yellowish-green coating on the fish's skin, respiratory problems, reluctance to feed, and disturbed swimming behavior. Affected fish may also try to rub themselves on objects in the aquarium or pond to get rid of the parasites.

As an initial treatment, we recommend using MICROBE-LIFT Herbtana, a natural immune stimulant that contains no medication and is better suited to boost the fish's immune system and help them fight the parasite. For stubborn cases, additional treatment options such as copper sulfate, formalin or acriflavine may be considered. The addition of MICROBE LIFT Garlic can also help repel parasites and boost the fish's immune system.

Perform a water change of at least 30% and vacuum sludge to reduce parasite load. The aquarium should be darkened during treatment as the parasite is sensitive to light, and good aeration is essential to increase oxygen levels in the water. After treatment is complete, the water should be filtered with MICROBE-LIFT Carbopure to remove drug residues and improve water quality.

Keep water quality high by performing regular water changes and monitoring proper water levels. Good water quality and a healthy environment will help reduce the risk of Oodinium infections and other diseases in your aquarium or pond.

Mouth and fin rot

Mouth and fin rot is a bacterial disease that occurs in both aquariums and ponds and affects fish of various species. This disease is usually caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas or Flavobacterium. Stress, poor water quality and a weakened immune system can contribute to susceptibility to this disease.

Symptoms of mouth and fin rot include fins that appear frayed, torn or stuck together,open sores in the mouth area, whitish plaques in affected areas, and possibly even loss of fin or skin tissue. If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe inflammation, infection and, in the worst cases, death of the affected fish.

Treatment of mouth and fin rot should begin as early as possible to promote healing and prevent the spread of the disease. First, water values should be checked and water quality improved by regular water changes and good filtration.

As a first treatment, we recommend the use of MICROBE-LIFT Artemiss, a natural immune stimulant and remedy that does not contain drugs and is better suited to strengthen the fish's immune system and help them fight the infection. In advanced cases or if there is no improvement, medications such as acriflavine or chloramine T may help.

It is important to continue treatment until all symptoms have completely resolved, and then filter the water with MICROBE-LIFT Carbopure to remove any drug residues and improve water quality.

As a preventative measure, maintain good water quality, perform regular water changes and monitor proper water levels. A healthy environment and balanced diet are critical to reducing the risk of mouth rot, fin rot and other diseases in your aquarium or pond.

Dropsy

Dropsy is a condition that can have a variety of causes and is manifested by similar external symptoms. The main symptoms include a swollen abdominal region, protruding scales and, in some cases, bulging eyes. The cause is usually due to impaired kidney function, as freshwater fish must continuously absorb and excrete water from their environment.

The first thing to do is to examine the water quality, especially the chemical parameters. Adjustment of water values may be necessary.

The next step should be to improve water hygiene. A common trigger of abdominal dropsy is a combination of high animal stocking, intensive feeding and insufficient water changes. In well-maintained aquariums with adapted animal stocking, dropsy occurs less frequently. Improving husbandry conditions may cause affected animals to recover, provided internal organs are not irreparably damaged.

There is evidence that bacteria play a role in the development of dropsy in aquarium fish. High animal stocking levels lead to an increase in excreta and possible food debris, which is broken down by bacteria. This process increases infection pressure on the fish and can compromise their immune response.

Before considering drug treatment, housing conditions should be reviewed and adjusted:

  • Provide aquarium water adapted to the fish, e.g., by adjusting the water values.
  • Improve water hygiene by regular and larger (at least 30%) partial water changes. The use of MICROBE-LIFT products such as Special Blend and Thera P can help to improve the water quality. An additional UV-C water clarifier may also be helpful.

If symptoms do not improve within 2-3 weeks after adjusting husbandry conditions, a veterinary examination should be performed. In such cases, treatment with prescription medications may be necessary. However, drug therapy is promising only in early stages of the disease.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial infections are a common ailment in aquariums and ponds that can affect a wide variety of fish species. They are mainly caused by different types of bacteria, although stress, suboptimal water quality and a weakened immune system can increase susceptibility to these diseases.

Symptoms of bacterial infection include behavioural changes such as reduced appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming and breathing, skin discolouration, sores or ulcers on the skin and fins, fin degradation and mucous secretions on the fish's skin.

Treatment of bacterial infections should begin as early as possible to increase the chances of recovery and prevent further spread of the disease. First, the water parameters should be checked and the water quality improved by regular water changes and efficient filtration.

As a first treatment, we recommend MICROBE-LIFT Artemiss, a natural immune stimulant and remedy that is drug-free and ideal for strengthening the fish's immune system and helping them fight the infection. For persistent or advanced cases, the use of specific antibiotics may be necessary, but this should be decided by a vet.

It is crucial to continue treatment until all symptoms have completely disappeared. The water should then be filtered with MICROBE-LIFT Carbopure to remove any drug residues and improve the water quality. Preventive measures include maintaining good water quality, regular water changes, monitoring water parameters and a balanced diet.

Fungal infection

Fungal infections are among the most common problems in aquariums and fish ponds. They are caused by different types of fungi, including Saprolegnia, Achlya and Ichthyophonus. These fungi are found naturally in the water, but can lead to infections under certain conditions. Fish that suffer from stress, have injuries or have a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to such infections.

Fungal infections typically show up as white or grey, padded patches on the skin, fins or gills of the fish. These spots may be small at first but spread if the infection is not treated. In advanced stages, the fish may become lethargic and show loss of appetite.

As a first treatment, we recommend MICROBE-LIFT Artemiss, a natural immune stimulant and remedy that is drug-free and ideal for boosting the fish's immune system and helping them fight the infection. In persistent or advanced cases, the use of appropriate medication may be necessary.

However, despite treatment, it is important to address the underlying causes of the infection to prevent recurrence. This may include improving water quality, minimising stress to the fish and boosting their immune system through a balanced diet and appropriate care practices.

It is also important to note that fungal infections are often secondary infections, meaning they occur when the fish is already weakened by another disease or injury. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the overall health of the fish and intervene early in treatment to prevent more severe problems.