Modifying Ich treatment for fear of stress

InR reason

InR reason

InR reason
May 28, 2006
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My little guy Tiger (baby Blood Parrot) has a minor Ich infestation problem. He is 3.5" in a 10g and will be in a 29g by Christmas. The obvious "grains of salt" have appeared on some of his body and mouth but he seems to have avoided a nasty repiratory infection thus far. After using Coppersafe for a few days I've decided to follow the age old "high temp/salt" treatmend touted on this and other websites.

I am very uncomfortable raising the temp at all, but I know that these suckers can die off above 85. Tiger is kept at a constant 78 where I am comfortable and he seems most content. However, I raised the temp to 80- and will raise it 2 degrees everyday until I reach 86. I want to keep him at this temp in as short a time frame as possible. So how long should I keep it at 86 and when I decide to lower the temp back to 78 can I do it gradually by 2 degrees everyday?


I'm adding about half a teaspoon of salt every 4 hours until I reach ten teaspoons for each of the ten gallons of water. I will also coninue with daily water changes of 10-15% and weekly vaccuming. Guys I'm nervous about stressing my fish so I want to know if my method will work.I want to treat for at least a week so I need to know what you would do in regards to the temp, etc.

I appreciate your input- love this guy and want to make this as comfortable as possible.
 
temperature increases are not a requirement, They just help speed the process. The salt is what kills the ich, so at normal tank temps, Just extend the treatment period a few days and you will be fine. I personally do not like raising temps that high either. I have never found good reason to tell someone not to do it, but from a personal stance, I know exactly how you feel.

Dave
 
Alright then screw the high temp- it will stay at 78. I'll add salt daily for about a week along with a tiny amount of coppersafe. So I'm assuming this salt will be just as effective- just treat longer. Thank you!
 
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My fish showed stress while doing the salt & heat Tx. I reduced the heat with a couple days to go while still at full salt levels, and they perked up. I extended the salt Tx a few days to compensate. Been Ich free for six weeks. So I think in the short term it's the heat moreso than the salt that stresses.
 
InR reason said:
Alright then screw the high temp- it will stay at 78. I'll add salt daily for about a week along with a tiny amount of coppersafe. So I'm assuming this salt will be just as effective- just treat longer. Thank you!
Click to expand...


Why are you going to add salt daily? Just add the amount needed to treat with, and only add more when you do a water change, just for the amount of water you change.
 
Why are you going to add salt daily? Just add the amount needed to treat with, and only add more when you do a water change, just for the amount of water you change.
Click to expand...
Exactly!!! The salt does not go awayor lose it's effectiveness like meds. Onve you attain the target dose you do not need to add any more until you do a water change.

I personally Would not reccomend Copersafe ever for anything in a tank that Cannot be completely destroyed if needed. Coppersafe is not remotely close to safe, It is not necessary in conjunction with salt for ich, and it almost always does more harm than good. More detail in the article linked above, But Salt is all that is needed. Just for the record, salt Works at exactly the same speed as meds, The treatment period will not change.
Dave
 
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