Clown Loach Ich - Stubborn!

[BotiaMaximus]

Got a re-infestation popping up in my loach tanks. This is a nasty and stubborn one too.

I set up two tanks a little over three months ago and got myself some tainted Clown Loaches in my 75 gallon that had a really nasty type of Ich. I lost all 5 of them but nothing else that was in the tank. Unfortunately I contaminated my other tank before I caught it. - Didn't lose anyone in there the first time.

I raised the temp, treated with "QuickCure" (Malachite Green/Formalin) did 50% water changes every other day - sanitized equipment between changes.

Treated for 12 days and thought everything had cleared up. I was getting sleep, losing the Bait Shop scent and starting to relax when it just came back yesterday and fast.

I lost 3 baby clowns in my 30 gallon this afternoon alone which was day 2 of treatment. That is 4 of my 9 in that tank now gone.

I had got 4 new clowns in the big tank and sure enough they have it too. Both tanks no more than 3 visible spots on any of the fish and only on the clowns - yet the little guys are dying. The big guys in the 75 seem OK but I'm still freaking out!!

Currently water is at 85-86 - QuickCure in at full strength - no carbon - tons and tons of aeration - lights out.

Anyhow - the only thing that seems odd to me is that after I dose with the medication my water turns dark green - but becomes clear again in just over an hour??? Like I said - no carbon (or chemi-pure or any of those type media - just filter pad, sponge and ceramic rings) and I keep the tank lights off and the blinds closed so no sunlight is getting in, plus the roomlight is kept off as much as possible and isn't bright. These are two tanks in two different rooms with two different filter systems. It has done this every time I have dosed the tanks - through both rounds of Ich.

I have purchased the QuickCure from 2 sources - the latest is from a fresh shipment - Had also tried the "Kordon" brand product - same thing just more diluted and expensive.

It has been 10 years since I last had tanks, but to the best of my memory it seemed when you had Malachite green in the tank, your tank was green until you did a water change and put some carbon back in there?

Any insight, input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I need to completely wipe this stuff out of the tanks.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[WILDER]

You have to half dose as clown loaches are very sensitive to whitespot meds.
Have you checked your water stats.
Raise temp to 30.
It can take two rounds of med to get rid of whitespot. Also it's best to carry treating one more week once spots have gone on the fish.

 

[BotiaMaximus]

You have to half dose as clown loaches are very sensitive to whitespot meds.
Have you checked your water stats.
Raise temp to 30.
It can take two rounds of med to get rid of whitespot. Also it's best to carry treating one more week once spots have gone on the fish.

Water stats are ok - I haven't killed my bio yet.

I had treated the last time at two-thirds dose and the clowns seemed OK with it. I was going up to full this time because this strain seems so aggressive.

Can you back down once you have picked your dose or would that risk making the Ich resistant??

I plan on treating at least two weeks and maybe more if I have any suspicions.

 

[WILDER]

If you have used the product at full dose the half dose might not work.
Half dosing can take longer to get rid of the parasite.

 

[Truck]

does a white spot med contain salt wilder?

 

[WILDER]

I don't think so truck, as not all fish tolerate salt towell.