Request Help; Newbie W/ Stupid Question

[jandtsmom]

Tank size:30
I do not have a test kit to answer these questions.
pH:
ammonia:
nitrite:
nitrate:
kH:
gH:
tank temp: 72-74 (temp. recently dropped)

Fish Symptoms: ick

Volume and Frequency of water changes: I did a 50% water change 3 days ago.

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Just added 'Ick Clear Tank Buddies' Purchased from Walmart.

Tank inhabitantswarf Gourmies, Blueberry Tetras, Neons, Rosey Tetras, Black Neons, Guppies, apple snails.

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):none

Exposure to chemicals:

Here are my stupid questions.
I removed the filters and added the ick clear. I will throw out the filters but what about the permanent carbons? How do I sanitize them? The filter is Whisper® Advanced PF 30-60(http/www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/catalog/productdetail.aspx?id=1276&cid=577)
Also, how often do I add the med until the ick clears? Do I do a partial water change in 2 -3 days and then add more med if needed?
I have turned up the heater slightly, I don't know why the temp dropped. It was a steady 77-78 and then this morning I see it had dropped to 72-74. The heater is a Tetra Submersible Heater for 30 - 60 gallon aquariums.

 

[frogmarch1987]

You shouldn't throw away your filters as then you will lose all of your good bacteria and will end up with ammonia spikes.

As for the medicine questions, I'm afraid I can't help with that. You should maybe post this in the 'fish emergencies' forum to get a better response

 

[BigIan]

keep your tank running as per-normal and add the medication according to the bottle instructions, what meds are you using?

above all don`t panic, your in the right place for help here.

 

[jandtsmom]

keep your tank running as per-normal and add the medication according to the bottle instructions, what meds are you using?

above all don`t panic, your in the right place for help here.

The only meds I have added is what I mentioned in my post, 'Ick Clear Tank Buddies' Purchased from Walmart.
The instructions are very vague, it just says to re treat in 24 hours if necessary, but what about a water change after 24 hours???

 

[OldMan47]

Please read the reference material that you can find in my ich info link. I have used the simple salt treatment that they give with no fish losses but any treatment that can actually kill the ich parasite will work. The important thing to understand, when treating ich, is the life cycle of the parasite. Otherwise you may be tempted to declare victory over the parasite a few days before you should. I did that for years before I came to understand the parasite and my fish always paid the price for my own ignorance of the parasite's life cycle.