Heater question

[joeyg2100]

I have a 300watt heater for my 55 gal tank. Right now I have an ich problem. When reading the post on treating ich with salt it said raise the temp. to 86*. I turned my heater up all the way and it will not get past 82*. My question is. Should I get another hearter so I can get up to 86* or is 82 effiecent enought. Thanks

 

[Hannys_Papa]

I'd say thats probably the only thing you could do. I think another 100-150 should be enough.

 

[liv2padl]

it's not absolutely necessary to elevate the temperture while treating ich.

 

[patoloco]

Your 300W heater should be enough to warm up the water to 86º with no problem.

Maybe you have just given it too little time. When the water reaches the temp you settled in the heater, the indicator light should be going on anf off every ten minutes or so. If yours is steadly on, you need to give it more time.

Remember that you must raise the temp slowly. Max 2-3º per day. Same when cooling the tank down. Doing it more quickly may cause more trouble than good. And you can start treating ich with salt/medication even before completing the temp raise.

If at last, you find your heater won't go over 82, do your treatment at that temp.

NOTE: Make sure you have a good thermometer. I have 2 in each of my tanks to make sure they are working properly. Avoid using those that are attached to the glass from the outside: not really accurate. i'm planning on getting some digital thermos but are expen$ive.

 

[patoloco]

it's not absolutely necessary to elevate the temperture while treating ich.

This is true. When you trat for ich, it's salt or the medications you aplly what kiil the parasite. The temp raise will only help to speed up things, like it's stated at the article you read.