Rikka ICHTHYOCID 50 ml is a fish parasite treatment from the Ukrainian manufacturer Rikka. It's used in aquariums and breeding tanks, in fresh and salt water. In fresh water it acts against Ichthyophthirius (the cause of "ich", or white spot disease), Ichthyobodo (Costia), Heteropolaria, Chilodonella, Tetrahymena, Trichodina and Glossatella; in salt water against Cryptocaryon, Brooklynella and Uronema. According to the manufacturer, it also copes with particularly resistant strains of Ichthyophthirius.
How to recognise the disease
White spots like grains of salt on the skin, fins and gills are the classic sign of ich in fresh water; in salt water the spots are smaller and harder to see — that's Cryptocaryon. A velvety bluish-white film on freshwater fish points to costiasis, and white patches around the mouth of labyrinth fish after an injury point to peritrich ciliates. General signs of parasites: fish rub against objects, clamp their fins, refuse food, become sluggish and darker, breathe faster and produce more mucus.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Targets | Ichthyophthirius, Costia, Chilodonella, Trichodina, etc.; marine Cryptocaryon |
| Water | fresh and marine |
| Dose | 10 ml (300 drops) per 100 L |
| Repeats | on day 3, 5, etc., with a 30–50% water change |
| Course | ich — at least 15 days, Costia — at least 7 days |
| Storage | 0–25 °C, out of the sun |
Pros
- Broad spectrum. Ichthyophthirius, Costia, Chilodonella, Trichodina and other ciliates.
- Fresh and salt water. Including marine Cryptocaryon.
- Handles resistant strains. According to the manufacturer, including "tough" strains of ich.
- Quick improvement. Often after the first or second treatment.
- A detailed protocol. The manufacturer spells out the course, filtration and recovery afterwards.
- Very affordable. The bottle is inexpensive.
Cons
- Dangerous to invertebrates. Shrimp, snails and corals must be removed during treatment.
- Sensitive fish. Scaleless fish (loaches, catfish) and weakened fish should start at half dose.
- A long course. For ich, at least 15 days with doses every other day — one bottle won't cover a 100 L tank.
- Tints the water. It may stain plastic decorations and silicone seams.
How to use it
Before treatment, remove activated carbon from the filter and switch off the UV steriliser and CO2 supply; in a marine tank, also switch off the protein skimmer and ozoniser. A very dirty biofilter partly deactivates the treatment, so clean it — but not too thoroughly. Add 10 ml (300 drops) per 100 L of water. Repeat with a full dose on day 3, 5 and so on, changing 30–50% of the water before each dose. Against ich and Cryptocaryon, the course is at least 15 days with doses every other day, plus two more doses after symptoms disappear; against Costia, at least 7 days. Raising the temperature to 30 °C boosts the effect if the fish tolerate it. Don't feed the fish during treatment, or feed very little. It's not recommended to combine the product with other manufacturers' medications.
After treatment
For 24 hours, filter the water through activated carbon to remove remaining medication, then take the carbon out. Treatment also kills beneficial bacteria, so test ammonia and nitrite daily: if nitrite exceeds 0.5 mg/L, change 50% of the water immediately. To restore the biofilter, the manufacturer recommends adding nitrifying bacteria — see our Rikka AQUA START review. In case of overdose, change half the water. Quarantining new fish keeps parasites out of the main tank; on setup and care see an aquarium for beginners.
Who it suits
Freshwater and marine aquarium keepers dealing with ich, costiasis and other diseases caused by ciliates and protozoa. Not for treating fish intended for human consumption. More products are in the fish medicines and water care section; for feeding during and after illness see aquarium fish food.
Verdict
Rikka ICHTHYOCID is an affordable, effective treatment for ich, Costia and other fish parasites in fresh and salt water. It takes discipline: remove invertebrates and carbon, change water before each dose and complete the full course. Afterwards, remember the carbon, nitrite checks and restoring beneficial bacteria.
FAQ
What's the dose of Ichthyocid?
10 ml (300 drops) per 100 L of water.
How long does ich treatment take?
At least 15 days, dosing every other day with water changes, plus two more doses after symptoms disappear.
Can it be used with shrimp and snails?
No, invertebrates must be removed from the aquarium before treatment.
Does carbon need to come out of the filter?
Yes, remove carbon and switch off the UV lamp and CO2 during treatment.
Is it suitable for catfish and loaches?
Yes, but start at half dose and increase gradually.
Does it work in a marine aquarium?
Yes, against Cryptocaryon, Brooklynella and Uronema; corals and invertebrates may be harmed.
Can fish be fed during treatment?
Better not, or give only very small amounts.
