How Long Should Ich Last? Protozin

[KingKenny]

Hi, can someone tell me how long I should be seeing signs of Ich when using Protozin. I started using five days ago (now on day six) and they're still as apparant as ever. At the time I wasn't 100% sure it was Ich but starting using anyone on the basis of flicking and rubbing and the occasional white spotted glint when I saw one or two fish psss directly under the light just below the surface of the water.

I have had to gradually turn the temperaure up to 28.5 degrees but haven't managed to get it any higher. I won't go into it but I have two Visitherm heaters coming any day now and will be able to hit 30 degrees.

Can someone also please advise as to what I do with Protozin now as day 6 is up and it doesn't go any further than that on the directions?

 

[WILDER]

Just do a water change and start again, sometimes it can take two rounds of meds, good luck.

 

[andywg]

It can take any amoutn of time to treat for ich. You have to keep treating until you see no evidence of spots and then treat for at least 5 more days to ensure the life cycle is broken.

 

[KimA]

May be a stupid question, but have you left the tank lights off during the full term of medication?

 

[KingKenny]

May be a stupid question, but have you left the tank lights off during the full term of medication?

I've seen it suggested that you should in isolated threads, but I have never been told why.


To answer your question no. What's the reasoning behind it?

 

[WILDER]

http/cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php

Taken from the article link.

Malachite Green is light sensitive, and you will be advised to keep your aquarium lights off during treatment to prevent the chemical from oxidizing

 

[KingKenny]

http/cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php

Taken from the article link.

Malachite Green is light sensitive, and you will be advised to keep your aquarium lights off during treatment to prevent the chemical from oxidizing

Is Malachite Green in Protozin?

 

[WILDER]

More than likely yes, but they don't actually tell you whats in it.

 

[KingKenny]

More than likely yes, but they don't actually tell you whats in it.

The article you posted says it's in numerous medications but does not list Malachite Green. I'll keep the lights off if there's even the slightest chance it is beneficial.

Can salt be added in conjunction with medication and a raise in temperature?

 

[WILDER]

You can only add salt if you have no scaless fish in the tank.

 

[andywg]

For treatment purposes, all fish, including loaches, cories and plecos, can have salt placed into the aquarium water.

In the short term it will cause little damage to the osmoregulatory system of the fish (the "salt burns laoches/corries" statements are nothing but pure myth).

It is the regular adding of salt to aquarium water as a tonic which can cause problems with the above fish.

Edit - the best source of information on ich on the whole web: http/www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/ich.shtml