Question about ick

[Discomafia]

Like I said, no QT tank... Have a 1 gallon tank but it has no heater or filter. So far now only the one otto still showing signs of ick, but treatment will continue for 3 more days at least. So should I change the water daily or not, as it is kind of a hassle but one that I would gladly accept if need be. Changing the water daily would mean less concentration of medicine in water, and cometcattle didn't change her's. Guess I'll just go with the instructions at the back and hope for the best.

 

[Bignose]

I will just reiterate what I suggested above. The water changes and gravel vacs suck up the poo and other organic debris that reduce the effectiveness of the ich medicine. So, when you re-dose after the water change, you bring the concentration back up to where it was. The medications are reactive enough anyway that they lose most of their potency after 12-36 hours anyway.

 

[Discomafia]

So if I keep on treating the tank for 3-4 days after I've seen the last of the symptoms, I'm in the clear?

 

[Bignose]

I just recommended in another thread, so long as the fish are not stressing, I'd go 5-7 days after every last symptom disappeared -- no spots (obviously), no scratching, no flashing. I think 5-7 days is a good idea, since at 82 deg F or so, the ich life cycle is 3-4 days, and I think it is better to medicate for an extra life cycle now than have one or two parasites escape and face ich again in a month or two. Not medicating long enough is where the myth of the ich that never dies and lays dormant started.