Clown Loaches With Ich

[Charliegirl]

Hi

Pretty new to this and first post so hi everyone! I have a Fluval 180 and did a fishless cycle and have good water quality now (tests for ammonia and nitrite 0 - nitrate 20). I have 4 Neon tetras, 6 barbs, 4 Rosy Tetras 6 Platys and 2 Clown Loach. I have 6 plants and sand substrate.

Noticed today that both the Clown Loaches have white spots - not hundreds but a good few each (they were introduced almost 2 weeks ago). They seem happy - are eating and not rubbing against anything, but I'm sure its Ich.

I've read loads on here and on a couple of links and I think I want to try to treat it with raising the temperature rather than meds. Am i being foolish as a newbie trying to do this and should I just medicate - or maybe there's a case for doing both (but I read not such a good idea). I will try to increase aeration by angling filter output upwards - is there any point adding an airstone or is that just decorative.

Sorry for the ramble - never knew there was so much to it!!!

Charlie

 

[arobinson1984]

If you are sure it is ich then you would be best medicating it with a medication such as protozin by waterlife, ideally seperate the fish if you have another tank, if not then you'll have to treat the main tank.

When whitespots appear then the illness is fairly advanced so I wouldn't wait. Make sure you read instructions carefully regarding medication as loaches are sensitive and many medications should be added at half dose for sensitive fish

On another note, not sure if you're already aware but the clown loaches will eventually outgrow your tank

Andy

 

[Charliegirl]

Thanks - yes I have someone to take the Clown Loaches when they get too big - but I'll miss them !!! Treating spot today. Thanks for advice

Charlie