ich

[meangene714]

I have an ich outbreak in my 100 gallon S. American cichlid tank. I have decided to not go with medications, use salt instead. Is this a bad idea? If not, should I use marine salt, aquarium salt, or can I even use non-iodized table salt? I've read that I should add about 1 tablespoon for every 5 gallons every 12 hours, 3 times and leave it in for 3-4 days. Does this sound about right? Are medications any better/ worse? Any suggestions or opinions are appreciated. Oh yea, I've also heard that raising the temp will help speed up the process. I currently keep it at 80 degrees F. What is the highest I should raise it? Does keeping the lights off help at all?

[blitzen25bm]

lights should not matter, raising the temp is a good idea though. i usually go up to 84 degrees that would speed up the life cycle of ich really fast and it should clear up in a few days. salt couldnt hurt im not sure on its effect on ich though it should work salt does wonders for some ailments. if you go with medications rid-ick or kick-ick works good and it dosent dye your water

[beviking]

I agree with blitz on the light.
Any salt will do. You could go with 6 hour intervals instead of 12. Your final concentration will be 3TBsp per 5 gal which should be o.k.. Some recommend 1TBsp per gal. As long as your fish are o.k., I would leave it for 7 days.
The higher the temp, the better to get rid of ich, but don't cook your fish. I'm not familiar with cichlids so you may want an opinion from the cichlid forum. Otherwise 84-86 will work.
Another tip, do water changes every day, preferably 50%. Be sure to add back the salt you take out via the water.
You can search here at AC for more threads on ich and salt using the search button in the upper right corner.

Good luck!

P.S. - I believe Rid Ich has malachite green in it that may stain silicone (and turn your water a shade of green).

[Must4ng s4lly]

Salt is salt my friend. I should know... my hubby sells it! I use whatever samples he has left over. I use 1 tblsppon per gal.

Do a search on ich on this site for good info.

I usually use a med with Maichite green in it. Do water changes before treatments too or med won't work IME.