Maybe Ich?

[CrystalClear16]

I have 6 small (the largest is only 2.5") clown loaches. Recently we noticed the larger one 'flicking' off the rocks and tiny white spots on his body. At first we thought they were grains of sand from his all his burrowing, thats how small they are. But I think we have Ich.

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 10
PH - 7.4

Temp - 24 degrees c

They are not covered in the spots, only the odd speck. The most recent fish we bought was a month ago. We occasionally feed them live food, but the last time was again about a month ago. We do regular water changes.

Is there anything else it could be other than Ich? If not, any recommendations on brands of medication? Have we caught it early? The fish are not covered.

 

[Cossie333]

whitespot probs

 

[CrystalClear16]

Thought so.

So any particular brand of meds that people recommend?

 

[Cossie333]

interpet anti-whitespot is very good

 

[CrystalClear16]

Ok, have been reading up on this. Apparently you can use salt? The earliest I can treat is tomorrow evening unfortunatly, will this be too late? Have you treated with salt before? Is it as effective?

 

[Cossie333]

salts ok but better off going to lfs tomorrow and buying one of their treatments as guarenteed to work and when i had it IN THE SNOW lol we had to wait 4 days with 7 platys with its and clowns are tough u should be ok for tomorrow evening

 

[CrystalClear16]

Heat up to 80F, did a 50% water change and treated with meds.

Fingers crossed!

 

[CrystalClear16]

Just another couple of questions for those that have delt with Ich before.

The meds I am using say to treat on day 1,2,3 and 6. I am on day 4 and the clowns are eating and behaving normally again thank goodness, and only two of them have a couple of spots left.

Can I do my usual water change on day 7? 50% or 25%?
If I still see symptoms after day 6, how long should I wait before re-treating?
If I decide I don't need to re-treat, should I put in a carbon filter to get rid of any meds left?

 

[CrystalClear16]

Bump-ski

Any one with experience that can help me out with the above questions?