Updated 3/12/10

Ichthyophonus (Ichthyphonus) fungi are one of the more devastating aquarium diseases. It is nearly impossible to treat, however it is easier to prevent.
This disease may be more common than many aquarists realize as identification is often very difficult with the proper scientific instruments and a Necropsy of infected tissue such as the heart or brain.

A few possible outer symptoms include:

• Ulcerated small nodules in the skin
• Bulging eyes (from pressure exerted from the infection in the brain)
• Loss of color (similar to Neon Tetra Disease)
• Loss of energy (due to the infection in the heart)
• Whirling; this is a very common symptom that unfortunately usually is one of the final symptoms due to infection in the brain (although this symptom can appear early and be the first symptom)
• Often Fish suffering from a systemic aquarium infection of Ichthyophonus will die off at irregular intervals, which often makes disease identification difficult.
• Sudden cooling of the water can be allow this disease to go systemic as Ichthyphonus fungi are generally more virulent in colder waters, so this can also be a "symptom" since actual tests are impossible to conduct in live fish (see lower in the article).

The picture to the left is of a Salmon Heart, cut open to show the Ichthyophonus nodules.

Please click the picture for a better view.







Ichthyophonus generally affects fish as an internal fungus , often attacking vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain and also the muscles on occasionally. The result is often a deteriorating fish that often stops eating (making medicated foods useless), swimming in circles (loss of equilibrium caused by the infection invading the brain), and loss of color and scales.


The above picture shows the infected heart of an Alaskan Salmon.

Potential treatments are Methylene Blue Baths or Potassium Permanganate Baths, increased salt levels (for fish that will tolerate this) of from 1 -2 tablespoons per 5 net gallons. Some Organic Treatments such as Pimafix , Kanamycin combined with good electrolyte and calcium levels measured by a GH over 100 ppm can help as a cocktail. A Medicated Wonder Shell would aid this cocktail by adding more anti fungal treatment along with adding important electrolytes and calcium. Other measures for possible treatment (or more to check the spread) are heat as Ichthyphonus fungi are generally more virulent in colder waters, so raising temperatures above 82 F (28 Celsius) can at least aid in checking the spread.

One very potent treatment “cocktail” (combination) is the combination of ParaGuard with Kanaplex and Nitrofuarzone (Furan 2). Please note that this combination is a potent treatment and water parameters should be monitored carefully during this treatment (usually about 7-10 days). This should be used in addition to the before mentioned baths (with Methylene Blue or Potassium Permanganate) and water parameter corrections (if necessary).

However all the above is often in vain, with the one bright spot that these procedures along with UV Sterilization will often check the spread of this disease. Other important preventatives is too remove suspected fish to a quarantine tank, in fact I strongly recommend this (or simply euthanizing them) as this is commonly spread through the eating of infected fish’ waste by otherwise healthy fish.

Prevention of Ichthyophonus is definitely the best cure.

Here are a few preventative steps:

• Quarantine or at least give 30 minute medicated baths in Methylene Blue or Potassium Permanganate.
• Keep optimum water parameters for the fish you are keeping whether FW or saltwater.
For freshwater this includes ammonia/nitrites at 0, nitrates below 50 ppm, a stable pH, and positive ion mineralization for the fish kept (a GH of at least 100 ppm, often higher for many fish).
• Regular cleaning procedures
• UV Sterilization
• Treatment with Malachite Green/Acriflavin/methylene blue based products (such as Medicated Wonder Shells) or Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Fungus Treatment after suspected Ichthyophonus carrying fish die or are removed.
• Increase salt in aquarium, at least temporarily to the highest levels the fish will tolerate.
See this article for more about salt use: Salt in Freshwater Aquariums
• Change your source for new fish, this is not to say that your trusted aquarium/fish store is always a poor source for new fish, however this needs to be ruled out since this disease is generally introduced and often I have had clients with unknown die offs that fit the description of Ichthyophonus, keep having problems with this disease after bleaching the aquarium and re-starting, only to buy new fish from the same source to repeat the problem; often when the source of new fish was changed after a bleaching/sterilization of the aquarium did the disease problems end.

Please read this article for more about aquarium disease prevention:
“Aquarium Disease Prevention”

Please read this article for more about studies of Ichthyophonus in Salmon:
“Ichthyophonus Disease”

Aquarium Filter Media; types (carbon, etc.), capacities and more (This applies to ponds as well).
Including:

*Mechanical Filter Material such as micron filters
*Bio Filter Media such as SeaChem Matrix
*Chemical Filter material (such as carbon)
*More in depth information about activated carbon

Updated 7/28/10

In this article I will discus three basic filter media types and subtypes of these.
These filter media types are Mechanical, Biological, and Chemical.
For more Aquarium filtration information, including canister filter media diagrams, please visit this article: AQUARIUM FILTRATION; how they work, advantages and disadvantages of each

MECHANICAL:

This media is primarily for trapping particulates in the water from large to small. In a canister filter or similar this should be the first phase of filtration (although many aquarists have done well with ceramic bio media used a coarse filter media that is both mechanical and biological provided it is rinsed in de-chlorinate tap water regularly.

Sub types include:

FINE FILTER MEDIA

*Basic aquarium floss or fiber which is a finer filter media.
In canister filters I will often use this to make a "sandwich", placing carbon or other chemical media in the middle for the final stage of filtration.





*Micron Cartridges for Filters such as Magnums or Aquarium Cleaning Machines. These cartridges can often filter down to diatom size and are excellent for cleanup, green aquariums, cloudy aquariums, even parasite infestations.

*Poly Filter Pads; similar to micron cartridges in their abilities (although usually not as efficient), but are excellent for canister filters.
As with filter floss, in canister filters I will often use this to make a "sandwich", placing carbon or other chemical media in the middle for the final stage of filtration.



*The Poly Bio Marine and similar pads by Boyds claim to remove heavy metals such as copper as well as phosphates, ammonia, and nitrites as well as certain organic via proprietary matrix of synthetic poly fibers.

My use of these has not quite stood up to the claims of this product as per phosphates, and ammonia/nitrites, however I have seen improvements in heavy metals and some organics. This said, most dense poly fiber pads have similar results as to organics and as per certain element removal, I would use with caution especially in planted aquariums. For those that use this product, I am not saying that it does not work, however the claims of what this product can do are just too broad and my test results to not mesh with claims and if all the claims were true you would deplete a tank too much of essential elements (that are important during times of stress such as new fish, shipping, etc.) and you would have no need for bio filtration (which of coarse is not true). I think the Wonder Shell actually stands up to its claims better (and even it is poorly named as nothing is a "Wonder" product.

My suggestion is to use a less expensive, non proprietary fine mesh Poly Filter Pad such as this one to the left, which is effective for trapping very fine particulates, free floating algae, and even some larger molecules; I use these myself and recommend them for the uses I just mentioned, I just do not recommend these for some of the claims of ammonia, phosphate removal, etc.

One more use of these types of pads (whether generic or name brand) is if used in an easy to change location such as a HOB or Wet/Dry filter they can be useful for lowering nitrates as well as long as they are rinsed every 1-3 days. How this works is this filter material will trap fine organic particles BEFORE going through the nitrogen cycle which would otherwise result in nitrates. The key is regular rinsing in CHLORINATED water so as to prevent the formation of nitrifying bacteria that would break down organics resulting in higher nitrates. This is similar to how the micron cartridges work (except on a much smaller and less efficient scale) in cleaning filters such as the Aquarium Cleaning Machines

MEDIUM FILTER MEDIA;

*Ehfi Synth by Eheim is an example of a medium mechanical filter media.

*Sponge and Foam Media; sponge and foam inserts/filters fall into both mechanical and biological categories. Their effectiveness can vary in both mechanical and bio abilities. The Hagen foam inserts pictured here is more coarse than some sponges (foam) and would be classified as medium mechanical media. They are not very dense and do not have as much bio capacity though.
The Hydro Sponge line (replacement sponges pictured, click picture to visit), has patented sponges of different porosity. The reticulated sponges found in the Filter Max #3, Hydro Pond and other is both dense (for good bio filtration) and medium in mechanical ability. The smaller model sponges (such as the Filter Max #2 and smaller, the Hydro Sponge #3 and smaller are actually a fine filter media (not as fine as poly pads and micron cartridges) comparable to filter fiber however with much more bio capacity. These do however require more rinsing do to their fine mechanical filtration.


*Cleaning pads as filter media; I have used the glass aquarium cleaning pads by Lees Aquarium Products for a medium filter pad they work great and are economical! I simply purchase the largest size I need and then cut to fit.
As well these cleaning pads are excellent for developing nitrifying bacterial colonies and thus perform bio filtration as well after 4-8 weeks, I generally use these in HOB Filters in from of the more fine mesh cartridge or in a canister filter in a similar placement manner.

*You can also use a medium grade gravel or volcanic rock as a medium filter media for canister filters (see picture below for volcanic rock)

COARSE FILTER MEDIA;

*Ceramic Rings; As stated earlier ceramic bio media can be used for coarse filtration.


*Coarse gravel or better volcanic rock also makes an excellent coarse mechanical filter media (the volcanic rock is also a good bio media as well).





BIOLOGICAL:

This is filter media designed to allow the growth of nitrifying (and sometimes de-nitrifying) bacteria to remove nitrogenous wastes such as ammonia and nitrites. This is one of the primary goals of aquarium filtration!

Nitrifying (removes ammonia & nitrites):

*Ceramic Bio Rings which go by many names are efficient bio filter media that have a capacity of 20,000 square foot per gallon. These however clog easily and need a monthly rinsing (in de-chlorinated water) to perform best. These have deep pores that can hold nitrifying and some de-nitrifying bacteria.
These are popular with canister filters, as well ceramic bio rings can be used in HOB filters, and even wet/dry filters.
Due to the high volume of potential nitrifying bio bacteria in a small space, this is a desirable product when space is at a premium (especially when compared to bio-balls). However volcanic rock has similar properties and a rougher surface, so there are fewer tendencies to develop slime over the media and clog, which is the one negative of ceramic bio media.

The Ceramic Bio Rings are for aerobic (nitrifying; removal of ammonia & nitrites) bio filtration only, not anaerobic de-nitrifying (removal of nitrates).

*Bio Rings/Balls; these are popular in Wet/Dry systems where their high surface area (no pores) are exposed to oxygen rich air. Bio Balls can also be used in HOB and built in Wet/Dry filters effectively, although they will often be exposed to less oxygen in these systems. Bio Balls generally have from 100 to 160 square feet per gallon and are generally much more economical than ceramic rings when large quantities are needed, such as wet/dry filters.
However, bio balls are purely for aerobic nitrifying bacteria as there are no deep pores for the formation of de-nitrifying (nitrate removing) bacteria. This makes bio balls a poor choice for marine aquariums despite the popularity of bio balls in many marine systems over the years (although thankfully many have realized the “nitrate factory” potential of bio balls and saltwater use is rare nowadays).

*Bio-Chem stars are made from a porous polymer in a process that forms a very fine 50-70 micron internal pore network, this pore size is optimal for the growth of beneficial bacteria, including nitrifying bacteria that remove toxic ammonia and nitrite. Bacteria grow within the star, colonizing the entire structure. One Bio-Chem star has 33 times more bacteria growing area than the average bio ball, with 20 stars able to support up to a 100 U.S. gallon (379 L) aquarium. The stars can also be used to float on the water surface in external power filters.

The Bio-Chem Stars are for aerobic (nitrifying; removal of ammonia & nitrites) bio filtration only, not anaerobic de-nitrifying (removal of nitrates), however these are one of the better products for this use based on my extensive ‘measured’ use of these ‘stars’ over the years.

*Sponge and Foam Media; Sometimes incorrectly thought of only as a mechanical filter media (or the opposite), however sponge filter media which can vary in capacity per square foot depending upon the type and brand is one of the better bio medias especially when price and space are considered. I have use sponge filter media such as the Hydro Pond #4 for pre filters on pumps in sumps for refugiums or similar filters with very good results.
The sponge is also how several HOB filters utilize nitrifying bacteria such as the Aqua Clear or Whisper (with the sponge insert). In fact I did several experiments several years back comparing sponge filters and sponge equipped HOB filters to the much hyped bio wheel and the sponge media one the tests (which at the time caught me by surprise as I was a believer in the bio wheel hype, not that the bio wheel does not work)! Please see this article about bio wheels: “Do Bio Wheels really Work”.
The bottom line is most high grade sponge filter media such as that used by Hydro Sponge and Aqua Clear are almost as efficient a bio media as many other types such as bio rings and better than bio balls and sponge media has the advantage of ease of rinsing which is a plus over some other bio media.
Please read this article for more information about sponge filtration: “Sponge Filtration, how sponge filters work”


Nitrifying AND de-nitrifying (removal of nitrates as well via anaerobic bacteria):
It should be noted that the flow rate of water may need to be adjusted for the cultivation of de-nitrifying bacteria in the products listed below in this section of the article (dissolved oxygen levels also have an effect as well).
As a generalization, higher flow rates will require a larger outside surface area for anaerobic bacteria to form deep inside the media (as oxygen permeating the media will not allow the proper cultivation of this bacteria), so with many products you will find it necessary to find a “sweet spot” as to flow rate since size of the media cannot be controlled (except for maybe taking a mallet to volcanic rock or live rock crumbles).
Please also reference this article:
Hydrogen Sulfide Production & Nitrate Removal

*Cured Live Rock Crumbles; this has been VERY effective for me in canister and wet/dry systems (in place of bio balls or ceramic bio media), rock piles, Refugiums, mud filters and other marine systems for both aerobic (nitrifying) and anaerobic (de-nitrifying) bacterial functions. Generally I use live rock pieces about 3-4 cm in diameters.

*Volcanic rock; I already mentioned this above for mechanical filtration however I will mention it again as it is very porous and makes an excellent bio media for aerobic and anaerobic (de-nitrifying) bacteria for both fresh and saltwater. I have generally used smaller pieces (based on availability) of volcanic rock as compared to live rock crumbles; 1-3 cm.
The advantage of Volcanic Rock is price as compared to other aerobic/anaerobic bio media.
The disadvantage is that Volcanic Rock is that Volcanic Rock is not as consistent in size both of the rock itself and in pores within the rock when compared to more premium products such as Matrix or Bio-Home which results in less bio filtration in a given volume of media.

Volcanic rock is excellent in pond filters and marine aquarium systems!

Matrix; Another product I have used with good results is SeaChem Matrix for both ammonia/nitrite removal (nitrification/aerobic) & nitrate control (de-nitrification/anaerobic).
What sets Matrix apart from other products such as Eheim Substrat that also can perform nitrifying and de-nitrifying functions is pore size.
Eheim Substrat Pro and JBL MicroMec which are similar products (in both cases, sintered glass) and are claiming larger specific surface areas than for SeaChem Matrix, however there is a second consideration, and that is the size of the pores in the medium. Generally, with very large pore diameters, we have smaller specific surface area, so that is not good. This generally rules out pores above 10 microns in diameter. But we can go too far in the other direction as many products such as Eheim (Substrat Pro) and JBL (MicroMec) have done. If we have a very large number of very, very small pores, then our specific surface area number will be phenomenal, but the medium will not work very well as a biological medium. This is due to physical limitations, specifically too small a volume to support bacterial growth, and the decreasing efficiency of fluid transport (necessary to carry nutrients to the bacteria and waste away from the bacteria) with very small pore sizes.

Surface area measurements indicate that SeaChem Matrix contains nearly 10 times the specific surface area of Substrat Pro, and more than 20 times the specific surface area of MicroMec. Practically all the specific surface area of both Substrat Pro and MicroMec are in the range of pore diameters to be biologically useful (especially anaerobic), while some of the surface area of Matrix is in pores that are reserved for physical and chemical processes, not biological processes.

Bio Home is a new products that has a lot of promise, especially in marine aquariums due to the availability of deep pores away from oxygen where nitrate removing de-nitrifying bacteria can form. Bio Home is made from sintered glass making it much more porous than the other traditional filter media available.










*AquaClay; This product is growing in popularity in Europe, however currently high shipping costs/volume requirements are keeping it from North America. Current test with this product show much promise, especially in nitrate reduction capabilities








CHEMICAL (Absorbing):

These are filter media that absorb or bind chemicals and toxins within the media.

Sub Types:

*Carbon; a very popular chemical filter media that is often over used in established aquariums and sometimes ponds as well. A healthy established aquarium (fresh or salt) with regular water changes generally needs little carbon. In newer aquariums I will often use about 1-3 teaspoons per 10 gallons. Carbon will NOT remove or absorb ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Carbon is very useful in removing medications after treatment or even between doses.


There is controversy in what essential minerals carbon will absorb or what activated carbon will or will not absorb in general. I will state based on my own experience and scientific evidence that carbon has many uses in aquariums/ponds but is also over used or incorrectly recommended. Although I use little carbon in my established healthy aquariums and ponds, I disagree with those that state it should not or rarely be used (based on some false assumptions of what carbon removes or adds to water). On the flip side I also disagree with those that make carbon the answer for water quality issues such as nitrates for which carbon does not remove.
Activated Carbon is very useful for removing most medications after or between treatments (this is where I strongly recommend its use), although even here, carbon does not remove most copper formulations effectively.

Here is an incomplete list of what carbon does and does not remove based on a University Research Paper;
What Carbon CAN remove:
Inorganic Contaminants:
*Arsenic Complexes
*Chromium Complexes
*Mercury (Hg+2) Inorganic
*Organic Mercury Complexes

Organic Contaminants:
*Benzene
*Endrin
*Lindane
*Methoxychlor
*1,2-dichloroethane
*1,1-dichloroethylene
*1,1,1-trichloroethane
*Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
*Toxaphene
*Trichloroethylene
*2,4-D
*2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
*Para-dichlorobenzene

What Carbon CANNOT remove:
*Microbes,
*Sodium,
*Nitrates, nitrites, ammonia
*Fluoride,
* Hardness.
*Lead and other heavy metals are removed only by a very specific type of AC filter

For much more about the use of Carbon in aquariums/ponds, please see this new Aquarium Answers Article: Activated Carbon

Please reference this study for more about carbon:
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/h2oqual/watsys/ae1029w.htm


*Resins, ion exchangers, synthetic polymers, or adsorbents; there are many resins (not all are safe for both freshwater and saltwater) from phosphate removing resins to nitrate sponges. My results are generally good with the main issue being expense as most of these resins are very expensive to use in the quantity needed for say nitrate removal. Hagen Green-X (Phos-X) is a product that I have used successfully in marine and freshwater aquariums. Green-X removes phosphate, nitrate and nitrite and it relatively inexpensive when compared to similar products. Unfortunately I believe that Hagen has discontinued this product.
Another popular resin is Purigen.
SeaChem Purigen is a premium synthetic adsorbent made up of unique macro-porous synthetic polymer that removes soluble and insoluble impurities from water at a rate and capacity that exceeds all others by over 500%. It is not a mixture of ion exchangers or adsorbents. Purigen controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing nitrogenous organic waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds. Purigen’s impact on trace elements is minimal. However it significantly raises Redox, so the addition of mineral cations such as the use of Wonder Shells while using this product is greatly encouraged!!


*Boyd’s Chemi-Pure; this is a popular product that I must be missing something about as I have used it several times in my maintenance business and have never quite seen this product meets its claims. In fact in marine aquariums I have seen very unstable pH when this product is used. I also have some problems with the claim of “NO CLEANING - Necessary for health of fish”, I personally feel very strongly about regular water changes even with products I recommend. This all said, I do know persons in this hobby whom I respect who like this product, so I will leave it at that.
As well Redox balance is lowered with the use of this product, so use with caution or add mineral cations to negate this side effect.

*Bio-Chem Zorb; this product by API provides a home for colonies of nitrifying bacteria in both fresh and saltwater aquariums. Space-age porous polymer allows for rapid transfer of oxygen and water. Bio-Chem Zorb is made from a research grade carbon/resin in a flow-through nylon pouch. Removes aquarium pollutants, improves oxygenation, and claims it will not remove trace elements from saltwater (which I question this claim based on Redox tests).

I have used this product (which is very similar to Boyd’s Chemi-Pure) with moderate success however I find its cost vs. results generally a poor value. I strong recommend the use of additional mineral cations such as Wonder Shells with this product.

The bottom line as to the above Ion exchangers, resins, synthetic polymers, etc. is that all seem to have at least some negative impact on a healthy Redox balance, with Purigen being the most minimal, so care as to the addition of mineral cations or other methods of improving Redox Balance (such as UV Sterilization) should be employed when using this products.

*AmmoChips (AmmoCarb, Zeolite); this is only safe for use in freshwater aquariums as salt will leech out the ammonia it absorbs. This is a useful product (especially when combined with carbon in freshwater aquariums such as AmmoCarb) for new aquariums, overcrowded aquariums, or when used in conjunction with carbon after medication treatment that may kill off some nitrifying bacteria such as Erythromycin.
I generally use this product over straight carbon when I even use carbon in freshwater (the keyword is even use as I do not often use carbon in healthy freshwater aquariums).

Whether you use straight Zeolite (Ammochips) or Zeolite/ carbon combinations, the exhaustion of the Zeolite from ammonia absorption can vary considerably based on your aquariums bio load and the health of your tank’s nitrifying bacteria (a healthy nitrifying colony will remove some of the ammonia before the Zeolite absorbs it). Testing for ammonia and the end product; nitrates are one way of gauging exhaustion of your zeolite. Generally changing your zeolite once every two to as long as six weeks has worked in my experience.


*Wonder Shells; a poorly named product that even though it’s name implies more than it delivers is an excellent product (more so than Chemo Pure in my experience). Although this product can be placed in your filter like other media, this is not best as it will dissolve to rapidly. Wonder Shells are best placed on the bottom of the aquarium.
What this product does is it adds several trace elements (electrolytes) such as calcium while it dissolves according to natural water chemistry. The results have excellent in many aquariums, especially livebearers, goldfish, betta, African cichlids, and Discus (and many more).

I recommend reading this article for more about how a Wonder Shell may benefit your aquarium:
AQUARIUM CHEMISTRY


*Water Softening Products; Peat or Peat Pellets are popular for maintaining a lower pH in Amazon River or similar aquariums. I prefer the newer Bio Lif which is made from almond leaves which naturally lower pH as well as aid in the control of some pathogenic anaerobic bacteria (such as Aeromonas). All these products tend to yellow the water, so keep this in mind, however this a very natural color for lower pH waters.