Ick & Filters

C

Caresteph

AC Members
Mar 2, 2007
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I discovered ick (my tetras look like they've been salted) in my 20 gallon this morning and will begin treatment when I get home tonight after work. One of the things I've read is that the carbon filter should be removed; ok, fine. Do I keep the filter in a bucket with tank water for the next 7-10 days or do I just toss it and put in a new filter? I'm "assuming" it's ok to leave the bio-filter right where it is? A quick response will greatly be appreciated as I want to take care of the problem the right way and as quickly as possible. Thanks!:confused:
 
Both.....I used 5 drops of Quick Cure because I have tetras and 2 teaspoons of Melafix + 2 tablespoons of plain salt. Have I overdone it?
 
pic one or the other. treating diseases are already stressful, and having two meds going at the same time can be bad for the fish. it sounds like you are adding three types of meds. stick with only one.

you need to remove the biological media in the filter if you are going with meds, because meds can damage the bacteria living in the filter. just put the media in a bucket with some water movement and a couple of pinches of flakes. to keep the water quality in your main tank in check, frequent water changes and testing is a must, especially since your fish are ill.
 
Stop the meds, go for the salt and then no need to remove the carbon filter + less stress on your fish, although they will still be stressed.

Only need to remove carbon filter when using meds, as the carbon filters out the meds.

However, concencus is that salt + heat is best treatment and most effective across the board.

Salt dose is 1 tsp per gallon, i.e. 1 tbsp per 3/4 Gallons. For a 20G you need to dose up to 4 to 5 tbsps. So, you need to at least double your salt dose in there right now. Must be done gradually, already diluted before putting into tank. Get heat up to 84-86F straight away.

Must maintain this for 2 weeks, or at least one full week after no signs of Ich at all
 
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