Ick

[Lifeoffroad]

If my water conditions are perfect, how did my two clown loaches get Ick? I know they are more prone to it as a species but it's great living conditions. I swear I'm getting a UV sterilizer next. Ugh!!

 

[adadkins1]

Something may have happened that you didn't catch. Did you do a big water change or anything that could have changed the water temp., pH, etc. too fast and stressed the fish? There are numerous things that can stress a fish and if the species is already suceptible then you have to be especially careful. Hope they recover fast.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

Something may have happened that you didn't catch. Did you do a big water change or anything that could have changed the water temp., pH, etc. too fast and stressed the fish? There are numerous things that can stress a fish and if the species is already suceptible then you have to be especially careful. Hope they recover fast.

That's the only think I can think of. Typically my pH is pretty consistent even with water changes. Temp wise it usually only changes like a degree or two. I did add some new fish but only 2 dwarf red guroumis (spelling?). That's shouldn't have stressed them. They are supper kind fish. The only other thing I can think of is they had it when I bought them or one did and gave it to the other. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Esoteric Backbone]

How long have you had them? If you just bought them, they may have already had ich. Any type of stress can invite ich.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

How long have you had them? If you just bought them, they may have already had ich. Any type of stress can invite ich.

Had them about 3 weeks. When I first got them home I thought one had a little white spot but they move around so much it was hard to tell. Then I saw no rubbing so just thought it would be nothing if it was a white spot.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

So I just had a conversation with the fish expert at the lfs and he really is an expert it isn't Petco or anything. He said the introduction of the new fish I got and I added new plants that day as well, is likely the cause. He said to just watch them whenever I add new plants or fish.

 

[Mr. Limpet]

So I just had a conversation with the fish expert at the lfs and he really is an expert it isn't Petco or anything. He said the introduction of the new fish I got and I added new plants that day as well, is likely the cause. He said to just watch them whenever I add new plants or fish.

It's always a good idea to QT new fish unless you know the LFS well and they QT all new stock before offering it for sale. Same goes for plants (QT them), I got a case of ick from a plant I didn't QT.

AP's Quick Cure is the best way to get rid of ick IMO/E.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

It's always a good idea to QT new fish unless you know the LFS well and they QT all new stock before offering it for sale. Same goes for plants (QT them), I got a case of ick from a plant I didn't QT.

AP's Quick Cure is the best way to get rid of ick IMO/E.

I think thats what I got. I'm hopeful it won't take to long. LFS added that I should turn up the heat to 86. Today it is at 78. What do you think about that instruction? By the way, forgive me if this is a stupid question, but whats QT? Quietly Touch?

 

[Ashes2ashes]

QT is quarantine. Keeping them away from the other fish until you make sure they are not sick before adding them to your tank. Be careful using chemicals to instead of salt/heat to treat ich with loaches. They are sensitive to chemicals. I would def still turn the heat up though, and I agree that adding new fish and plants is what carried in the ich. Good luck with getting them all better.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

It's always a good idea to QT new fish unless you know the LFS well and they QT all new stock before offering it for sale. Same goes for plants (QT them), I got a case of ick from a plant I didn't QT.

AP's Quick Cure is the best way to get rid of ick IMO/E.

I got quick cure and just realized after adding the first dose that you should not use on invertebrates. I have 2 Algae shrimp. You think they are going to live through this?

 

[Mr. Limpet]

I got quick cure and just realized after adding the first dose that you should not use on invertebrates. I have 2 Algae shrimp. You think they are going to live through this?

Inverts, baby whales and elephant nose, are a no-no lol. Pull them out and put them in a container of cured water ASAP is what I'd do. AES are pretty hardy, so they may be OK.

 

[Lifeoffroad]

So treatment is complete. Everyone is ich free and my shrimp survived the ordeal. Yay!!! Thanks everyone for the help.