Microscopes, Aquarium and pond fish kept in an artificial environment are particularly prone to parasitic infestations even in the most careful situations. For a mixed population tropical tank this can be devastating and for the Koi carp keeper a nightmare. Good housekeeping is always the starting point, but often the slightest imbalance in any number of factors can result in the almost spontaneous appearance of parasites ranging from the common Ich in the aquarium, to the more serious Costia and Trichodina in Koi carp, not to mention fungus and louse infestations.
There are many proprietary treatments readily available, but the difficulty remains in positively identifying the problem – there is little point in treating something that isn’t there, that can also build up resistance to the treatment. Quite often the problem relates to water quality not parasites, and microscopes can rule out the latter very quickly.








