Ichy Ich!

[Stu-pot]

morning people,

i have a mixed tropical tank and have signs of ICH on two of my clown loaches.

i also have some glass catfish and live plants - whats the best course of action for me?

thanks

 

[james_fish]

It can be common in Clown Loaches unfortunately.

The first thing you should do is up the temperature of your water to about 28 or 29 degree's.
You could add some aquarium friendly salts, another fish-keeper will advise on what brand and how to go about adding it.

James.

 

[Stu-pot]

thanks james,

i have turned up the temp but dont really wanna start on the salt - can it not be bad for the plants and some of the fishes?

It can be common in Clown Loaches unfortunately.

The first thing you should do is up the temperature of your water to about 28 or 29 degree's.
You could add some aquarium friendly salts, another fish-keeper will advise on what brand and how to go about adding it.

James.

 

[james_fish]

No problem Stu.

Im really not sure on the salt, i've never used any in either of my tanks. Im sure some one will pop up soon with a good suggestion as how to use salts, or a effective alternative.

Good luck!

James.

 

[SlyPolak]

I got Ich from some feeder guppies two weeks ago and I also have plants and catfish, MOST plants and catfish are HIGHLY sensitive to salt... If you want to go the medication way there is tons out there that wo'nt hurt your cats or plants... Maracide by Mardel is a good one,( Don't know of any in the UK ) don't go with anything that has copper because that WILL give your plants an Iron deficiency in the long run... I just opted to treat with heat alone, I rasied my tank up to 88/89F GRADUALLY ( 1 degree per 2 hours max. ) I also added a TINY bit of salt, I think it was 5 tsp for 55 gallons just to be safe... Spots from Ich disappeared in four days but I am STILL treating with heat and plan on doing so until I reach 3 weeks..There are several reasons why I am treating so long with heat, one is because even today I still see some scratching on ornaments and gravel. I figure it's because there was plenty of Ich in the gills and now it's healing and causing some uncomfortableness. OR, highly unlikey since I have not seen any visible spots in over a week, it could be that Ich is still present in the gills and still eating it's way in...

SORRY for the ramble, but!!! If you want to go with it the quick way there is PLENTY of plant-safe meds. out there but that's if you don't mind adding chemicals to your aquarium. If you don't mind with the 2 or 3 week treatment it is working wonders for me.... Just Google " treating Ich with heat only ".... and you will see MANY points of view...
GOOD LUCK!