Best Way to Get Rid of Ich

[gcis]

I've got an ich outbreak on my neons and I was hoping someone could help me with a strategy to save them. I have some Ich treatment that I am using or I have some Melafix. It is day 2 of the ich and I have just done a water change on Friday. Please help!

[Virtuoso2K12]

get ich guard from petco or petsmart,quit cheap.

[echoofformless]

If you don't have shrimp or other inverts, Rid Ich + is the best of the blue meds.

But never underestimate the power of heat. Raising the temperature to about 86 speeds things along and also kills some weaker strains of the parasite. Some do only this along with aquarium salt.

It can't kill you to try all three. And remember that keeping the tank clean and healthy will do a whole lot more than one might think. I have rid myself of outbreaks in QT tanks just by raising the temperature and doing daily water changes. Healthier fish seem to fight it off more effectively and therefore the parasite stands less of a chance of having them as a host so it seems.


Finally, every strain is different so what works for one may not work for the others. And you are likely about to see a whole bunch of conflicting opinions as this thread gets more replies.

[TMDragon]

I would only use chemicals and medication as a last resort or in serious cases. They aren't good for your fish in the long run. I would personally recommend the salt and temp method which can be found here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88601

Plus, a lot of Ich meds contain Malachite Green which will dye your aquarium silicone blue. Not a big deal, but that is certainly one advantage to using salt.

[Lupin]

I would only use chemicals and medication as a last resort or in serious cases. They aren't good for your fish in the long run. I would personally recommend the salt and temp method which can be found here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88601

Plus, a lot of Ich meds contain Malachite Green which will dye your aquarium silicone blue. Not a big deal, but that is certainly one advantage to using salt.
:iagree:

[msjinkzd]

I also prefer teh heat and salt method. I use 2 tsp/gallon of regular table salt, dissolved and added gradually. Good luck and let us know if you need any clarification.

[Windy]

I agree with Jinks..raise the temp and use Aquarium salt. I know someone who would use tablesalt to put in his tank. I was like WTH are you doing? Seasoning your fish for a fish fry? Good Luck

[Freshwater Noob]

I have 5 mystery snails in my tank. Can I still use the salt and temp method? Probably not right?

[TMDragon]

I agree with Jinks..raise the temp and use Aquarium salt. I know someone who would use tablesalt to put in his tank. I was like WTH are you doing? Seasoning your fish for a fish fry? Good Luck
Any sodium chloride is fine as long as it hasn't been treated with chemical additives like anti-caking agents. Most table salt is fine, I've also used table salt with no problems.

[Captnslapy]

I've found out (the hard way) that the heat and salt work the best. Also don't forget to remove any carbon that you maybe using. And when things are cleared up, lower your temp slowly. You don't want to stress them and start the process all over again.

[SchizotypalVamp]

Using all three at once won't kill you, but most likely will kill your fish from stress.

[Hurley]

I have only used salt and heat and I have only lost one fish (that was already very far along.) I just finished treating a planted tank with 7 neons, a gourami and a couple apple snails. They all survived and are doing great. I treated with 2tsp of salt added over a day and a half and treated for a week. I then slowly changed out the water so as not to shock the fish. I also had the temp. at 82*.

If you can move your snails to a snail only tank for at least a week I think you should be good. Snails can't get ich but the parasite can be carried in the water found in their shells. Also, be careful what medication you use, if any, because some will make your tank uninhabitable for snails and other inverts.

[KarlTh]

Any sodium chloride is fine as long as it hasn't been treated with chemical additives like anti-caking agents. Most table salt is fine, I've also used table salt with no problems.

You should have stopped at "fine". ;) The additives are non-toxic (this is a food product remember) and in such small quantities that they present no issue whatsoever. Any food grade salt is absolutely fine.

[TMDragon]

You should have stopped at "fine". ;) The additives are non-toxic (this is a food product remember) and in such small quantities that they present no issue whatsoever. Any food grade salt is absolutely fine.
Well that's what I was told and I have no experience with salt containing such chemicals so I just wanted to play it safe by giving sound advice that I've actually used. You learn something new everyday :)