I have successfully used heat, salt and water changes to kill an itch infestation. The fish i had at the time were North American Natives and a medium size pleco.
Most tropicals (and most NA natives) can handle a very gradual temp increase to the mid 80's. (add a air stone or use a power-head for increased surface agitation, to get more 02 in the water) The heat will speed up the life cycle of the ich so the cycts will die quicker and the spoores will have less free swimming time.
Make sure you research your fish to see how they will react to the salt, i can't remember the exact dose i used but it was close to 1 tea spoon to 2 gallons. The salt is supposed to stimulate the slime coat so the free swimming ich has a more difficult time attaching itselft to your fish.
the most important step is vigorous gravel cleaning, and water changes.
i personally like doing smaller but more frequent water changes. (just give your gravel a going over every day for about 2 weeks)
Most tropicals (and most NA natives) can handle a very gradual temp increase to the mid 80's. (add a air stone or use a power-head for increased surface agitation, to get more 02 in the water) The heat will speed up the life cycle of the ich so the cycts will die quicker and the spoores will have less free swimming time.
Make sure you research your fish to see how they will react to the salt, i can't remember the exact dose i used but it was close to 1 tea spoon to 2 gallons. The salt is supposed to stimulate the slime coat so the free swimming ich has a more difficult time attaching itselft to your fish.
the most important step is vigorous gravel cleaning, and water changes.
i personally like doing smaller but more frequent water changes. (just give your gravel a going over every day for about 2 weeks)
