help!! Goldfish with Ich

[stephalpha]

I would really appreciate some insight with problem. I have ich in my 56g tank, and I don't really like using medications. I did some reading and decided to try treating with salt. Has anyone actually done this? How well did it work? How long before I can tell if it is working?
I have been also vacuuming the gravel everyday.:help: :feedback:

[captainpiratebo]

iv herd that it can work. though iv never tried it myself. im pretty sure though that the medications are the best way to treat the problem. why is it that you dont like to use them, if you dont mind me asking?

[stephalpha]

I have heard that it puts too much added stress on the fish. I just prefer to always go the natural route whenever possible, but I think that your right though I should just use the meds. My poor babies look very unhappy!

[captainpiratebo]

i can see why you wouldnt use them. but ultimately might be better for the fish to suffer some stress than to have ich for any period of time

[GoldLenny]

Just slowly raise the temperature to the low 80'sF (up to 85F) and slowly raise the salinity level to 0.3% over the course of 24 hours. 1 teaspoon per gallon equals 0.1% so you should mix 1 teaspoon per gallon in with some water until it's diluted and slowly add it into the tank. Repeat this every 12 hours until you have added three doses. Add additional air stones or raise your HOB filter so the waterfall creates additional splashing/surface agitation to increase the O2 levels in the tank, since warmer water does not hold O2 as well as cool water.

Read this article for more info:
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/ich.shtml