Freshwater dips

[danettem]

We have quite an ich problem, and freshwater dips have been recommended to help clear up the problem. How exactly should I do this? Also my porcupine puffer has a white patch on her belly, looks like a fungus. Is this related to the ich, or is it a secondary infection brought on by the stress of the original disease? Will the dip have any effect on the probable fungus, or is there a better way to treat it?

[mogurnda]

FW dips do help with cryptocaryon, but won't cure it. I have used dechlorinated tap water, buffered with baking soda to the right pH and at the tank temperature. It probably won't help fungus, but I don't have any experience treating it.

[rica5tully]

I have used dips with success in the past. Just watch the fish very carefully and as soon as it starts to keel over or lay on its side or act stressed: you have to take it out immediately.

Fenner's book, "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" has several pages on different dips you can make up. He recommends them even as a precautionary measure for new fish!

But most would say that is too stressful and risky and I think so too.