Ok, first and foremost; ich is often a symptom of poor water quality, and thusly stressed fishes. Secondly Clown loaches are _VERY_ prone to this problem. Thirdly Ich medications are a waste of money.
To do right now, temp up to 82degrees, you want a gradual rise in temperature, don't just crank up the thermostat, too quick a change, do it in increments.
2nd on todays todo list; Water parameters, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Ammonia please. Betcha either you have ammonia/nitrite levels or your nitrate is above 20ppm. Either way its not good.
3rd. 50% water change. Vacuum the gravel. Add 1tbsp of salt per gallon
Tomorow: bring temperature up to 86 degrees. 90 is pretty radical, and is detrimental to your biological filter. 86, no higher than 88.
2nd Water change, 50% vacuum gravel. add 2tbsp of salt per gallon.
Friday: waterchange 25% Vacuum gravel. 1tbsp of salt per gallon.
Then just let things be for the weekend. By tues/wed things should be looking a lot better; start doing some 10-25% water changes (no salt).
Now; for type of salt, freshwater aquarium salt is best, but you can use table salt in a pinch (for those who are going to argue; see AFM april 2003)
Then keep up weekly (10-25%) water changes and all should be good.
Just so you understand the process, The gradual raising of temperatures is to increase the metabolism of both the fish (help fight off the parasite) and the parasite (make it 'hatch' faster). The daily water changes/vacuuming is to pick up the parasites that have 'hatched' from your fish, and are freefloating or are in the substrate. The gradual addition of salt (up to 2tbsp/gallon) is to help reduce stress on the fish and makes your tank a less suitable environment for the parasite.
Andy
