Is Ick a disease or bacteria?

[bildotang]

Is ick a bacteria, disease or parasite? Would having a UV sterilizer help keep the possibility of ick down? Or is it something else?

 

[beth]

Ich is a parasite. A lot of hobbyists feel that the UV helps with preventing ich, including me, but I would never rely on it 100% You're best bet is to QT fish first before they ever go into the dispay. That way you can treat them effectively without endangering the health of your tank and other fish.

 

[bildotang]

Thanks!