ich in planted tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

downset21

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 6, 2005
1,211
2
68
Quincy, MA
I have a 50gal tank with very low nitrates, no nitrites, no ammonia, and a ph at around 6.8. I have ich and I have been treating with rid-ich for 2 days. I have raised the temp to 85 and added a bubbler to help aerate the water. I have yet to add salt.

How much salt (instant ocean or aquarium salt based on advice I get here) should I use so as not to do any long term harm to my plants? I want this to go away, I've already lost some amazon puffers and a baby blue phantom pleco to ich in the last month and I don't want my new geos to go the same route.
 
Hmmm...What plants do you have in the tank? Could you please post the complete list of fish in there currently? Do you also have invertebrates in there? Do you have a spare tank or tub sitting around? If so, how big?
 
exodons, firemouth, tiger loach, royal pleco(i know not plant safe but he is moving out), bristlenose ancistrus, geophagus hondae (cant spell real name), convicts, pictus cat.

plants: anubias, melon sword, hydrophilia, java fern

no spare tank but I can work on that, maybe a 20 gal long for cheap

no inverts
 
I was hoping if you have more plants and less fish, you could move the fish in a separate tank/tub (as long as there is enough space) so the planted tank will be spared if possible from the salt dosage assuming the plants you may have are sensitive to salt while the fish are treated in another tank instead but this is easier now that you mentioned all your fish and plants. Your plants should be tolerant to salt particularly the anubias and Java ferns.

What you can do is dose 0.1% solution of table salt (avoid ones containing yellow prussiate) which is equivalent to a teaspoon per gallon. If the fish do not appear to react badly after 12 hours, then dose another 0.1% solution to make a total solution of 0.2%. Be sure to dissolve salt thoroughly when you add. Do water changes as necessary and if you observe the fish may be swimming uncomfortably. Hopefully, they'll be fine though. I've treated my loaches, plecos and cichlids before with no issues. Do treatment for 10-14 days or continue 10 days after ich has seemingly disappeared to eradicate everything completely.

Good luck!
 
.1% would mean .1% of 50 gal? I'm not sure how to calculate that, sorry.
 
0.1% is a teaspoon per gallon. Since your tank is 50g, you need 50 teaspoons. Dissolve first in a cup of tank water before adding.
 
lupin, your help is invaluable... this isn't the first time you've helped me out. Thanks for the prompt response and the clear explanation
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom