Ich - Aquarium Advice

Bhunsucker · 08-01-2005, 10:21 AM

My question is that I'm going to treat the tank with heat. I'm in the process of increasing the temp of the tank now. How high should I get the temp?

I've dropped my water level about an inch so my HOB filter is making some waves

I have a couple of clown loaches and they dont do well with salt. So should I stay away from the salt because of them.

Thanks for your help

**Zagz** · 08-01-2005, 11:25 AM

You should definitely stay away from salt with loaches. Turn the temp up to around 82-84F, for 2-3 weeks. What other kinds of fish do you have in the tank? Most recommendations say the higher temp is better, but that somewhat depends on your fish. Most tropical fish will be ok at 84. Keep and eye on your parameters and continue with pwc's trying to keep the new water close to the same temp in the tank. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes. HTH.

greenmaji · 08-01-2005, 04:03 PM

already answered your e-mail :P

Fishyfanatic · 08-01-2005, 05:28 PM

I'd actually suggest increasing the temp to around 87. You're fish will be fine in the increased temps. Just do it slowly.

greenmaji · 08-01-2005, 07:14 PM

85 is the point in wich ich dies... 86 is on the safe side of hot... :P

Fishyfanatic · 08-01-2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Ich appears not to be able to survive temperatures above 86F. By raising temps to above 86F one can kill all the parasites; generally, 4-5 days after the temps have been raised above 86F you will see a reduction in white spots on your fish. It is best to continue temps above 86F for at least 2 weeks to ensure all the parasites have been killed. Do not raise temperatures too quickly. 1 to 1 degrees F every 12 hours is best, although if you keep your temps very low you may need to shorten that to 1 degree F every 6 hours. Raising temps too quickly can stress fish. Keep in mind, Ich multiplies more quickly at higher temps below 86F; it is necessary to find a balance between raising temps slowly enough not to stress the fish and quickly enough to keep the fish from becoming too infested with the parasite. Also, be sure all the fish/invertebrates in the tank can handle temps that high; if you're not sure, do some research and ask.

**High temps reduces the amount of oxygen in the water. Increasing surface agitation, either by lowering water levels if one has a hang on back filters so the water falls further, or adding addition aeration is recommended.

I pulled this from the Article pertaining to Ich on the AA website. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showqu...q=2&fldAuto=32

greenmaji · 08-01-2005, 11:54 PM

http://aquanic.org/publicat/state/il-in/as-459.pdf

federal factsheet AS-459.. states that 85 degrees is the point in wich ich dies from heat.. thats why the artical starts the temperature at 86, to be on the safe side..

Apocalypse_Gold · 08-02-2005, 03:06 AM

At 82-84 the ich will reproduce like mad. 85-86 is a must. I shoot for 88, and have only lost severely compromised fish. Even my fry survive it.

Fishyfanatic · 08-02-2005, 09:52 AM

I also raise it to about 88. But 87 is what I was told.