Ich Outbreak

[Matts]

I started a tank about a month or so ago, have had the same with in it for that time. I noticed one fish flicking over that time quite a bit, was told it was probably stray current in the water he doesn't like because I've had him already for a month without any signs of ich showing on the skin. Now the other fish are showing signs of ich but not flicking even close to as much as him, but they are actually showing signs of the ich visually. Anyways, now I have an ich problem I need to cure.

Ph 7.8-8.0 Nitrite 0 Nitrate 0 Ammonia 0

The tank has quite a few live plants, gravel bottom 29 gallon. Mostly tetras, noens, black skirt, few guppies, two swordtails and a pleco. Male swordtail isn't looking very good, was stuck in an ornament the other day and has been lethargic and not eating since. Also had guppy birth today.. (bad timing) not sure how many fry but there hiding in the rocks and can see them occasionally.

I've looked up a few ways of doing this but want ideas:

Worried about the live plants with quick cure (formalin + Malachite green) but heard aquasol was good.. Can this be cured with just heat?

What would be the ideal way to get rid of this in a mostly tetra planted tank?

 

[SlyPolak]

If you know you fishes limits on heat, you could do it that way... I have had a few occasions where I got ich, most recent was on my mbuna tank and got rid of it with heat and heat ONLY... I slowly raised the temp. to 88 / 89 degress ( 1 degree every few hours ) and kept it at that for a week and a half.. then slowly lowered the heat ( 1 degree every few hours ).. and havent seen any sign of ich..........

This was not the first time it worked.. about a year ago I got ich in one of my planted tanks ( didnt quarantine because have no room for an extra tank ) and I (like you) was hesitant about using meds because .... their meds... and parasite meds are pretty harsh.. but my main reason to look for other cures was because the tank was planted... did the same thing, raised temp to 88/89 very slowly.. kept it at that for a week and a half .. then lowered slowly and have never seen ich in that aquarium again......

If I was you i would try the heat because of the plants and you have some med, sensitive fish ie tetras, neons and such. But be very wary about doing it, as you slowly raise the temp pay attention to your fish... and if you see them acting overly odd either slow down and keep paying extra attention or find another method... i know that some people that suggest using heat also suggest adding salt at the same time... let me tell you salt is NOT needed, i have never used it and the heat still worked.... plus I dont think your plants would be very thankful

 

[SlyPolak]

Well this topic died faster than MJ.......


so what did you decide to do??