Ick heat treatment ok for cories?

[MissMinerva]

I just noticed what looks like a couple ick spots on my green tiger barb. She is in a 10 gallon with 3 small bronze cories. I do not see any spots on the cories. If there are no spots on the cories, does that mean they are not affected yet? Could I move them to another tank without infecting it?

The 10 gal was the QT tank. I put the barb in cuz she was constantly getting picked on in the larger tank. I just added the cories about 1 week ago.

I don't have meds and can't get any. I want to raise the temp and add some salt but, worry about the cories. I will also add an airstone.

If anyone can give me advice, especially about moving the cories, I would REALLY appreciate it!

Thanks!!
Jan

 

[lmw80]

It's hard to say if the cories have ich or not - it could just be dorman in them for now. I would slowely raise the temp (no more than 2 degrees a day) to 82-85 degrees.

As far as salt goes...cories really don't like salt...however, IME, I have found that if you 1/3 the dose of 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons - and do that no more than 2x a week while they are sick, the cories should be fine. Still, keep a close eye on them if you decide to go this route. I personally have never had any problems using this method with any species of my cories.

 

[MissMinerva]

Thanks, Lori!
I will do the heat treatment. I have also used smaller doses of salt in my larger tanks with cories with no ill effects. I may just add a pinch to the 10 and keep an eye on them, like you said.

I also have a sand substrate in there. Does that make a difference when trying to get rid of the ick?

After 2 years of keeping fish, this is my first case of ick. Luckily it wasn't in the 55!!!

Thanks again,
Jan

 

[lmw80]

As far as I know, the sand doesn't make a difference in ridding ich.

Ich is a pain in the behind, but it is easy to cure thank goodness.

 

[Menagerie]

You should have no problems with the sand substrate, just make sure you keep treatment up for two weeks after the last ich spot is gone.

 

[MissMinerva]

O.K. We're all set! Just did a water change, added a pinch of salt, flour, eggs.....OOPS! Wrong recipe! And an airstone.

Now we just keep an eye on things. Luckily, the tank is on my 'puter desk!

Thanks!!!