First Time Ich

[Geradmg513]

I recently discovered on Sunday my Clown Loaches and one of my Opaline Gouramis had Ich. I'm not sure sure where it came from but my local fish shop told me to try Formalin MS and Nox-Ich at half dosage so it wasn't hard on my clown loaches. II tested the water and it was fine. I did a 20% water change, used both medications and kept my tank at 80 degrees. As of today am really not seeing any thing clearing up either. It also looks like it may be spreading to my other fish. At this point I am not sure what to do.

 

[Thyra]

First of all, what are your exact water parameters - ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate? "Fine" is a relative thing and not definitive. Many of the people on this forum simply use an increased water temp of about 85 degrees and no medications with great success and daily vacuuming to get rid of the falling spores which will take about two weeks to clear up.

 

[KcMopar]

Thats great advice!!! That is the method I use as well. It can take a couple week but be sure to continue for a week minimum after to be sure its all GONE.

 

[Geradmg513]

I was told to take it up to 86 and leave it for a month, remove all carbon from my filter, salt, and continue to feed daily, and do water changes weekly

 

[Thyra]

86 degrees is OK. I don't believe the carbon has any effect either way, but you don't need any salt and its the water daily partial water changes and vacuums that are the real key.