The viability of salt treatment depends on what kind of fish. Some fish are too irritated by salt treatment. Ich is a parasite that lurks not only on the fish, but in the fish (gills), and in the environment. So if the gravel isn't stirred up really well during treatment, the ich can hide in the gravel and survive. I have never used the heat and salt treatment, but I have used Tank Buddies. It's always worked for me.
I would think that raising your temperature would help, even if you don't use salt. Keep the heat up for two weeks. Raising the temperature is a good move for many ailments (for some, it worsens though). I don't know if you could mix meds with salt, probably not. If you use salt, don't add it directly in the tank; dissolve it in water first and then add in that water ie a water change with salt in the new water
When you do water changes, you do have to add in salt again. (Make sure it's not marine salt, just aquarium salt.)
Anyways, I like tank buddies, although depending on your fish you may be able to do salt instead. I think raising your temperature is a good idea (I think it speeds the life cycle of the ich so all phases get hit with meds quickly?), but make sure with heat or heat+salt, to do it for 2 weeks even if the ich disappears (it isn't visible in all phases of life). Anddd follow the jungle directions if you use that.
ahh sorry so long-winded and messy... it's late... going to bed haha
