There is a parasitic trematode that lives in the skin of fish temporarily, and does not hurt the fish (although it causes a spot).
The fish is then eaten by a bird, the birds droppings infect snails, and the cycle starts again.
Without the fish being eaten by the bird, the cycle goes no where.
As far as salt goes, any concentration under 3ppt (parts per thousand), does nothing to effect ick, and won't cure it.
If you do add salt, salt (NaCl) is salt, so whether you use rock salt, water softener salt, table salt, or whatever, its all the same, only the cost is different.
I have successfully used water softener salt to cure ick. At about $5 for 50 lbs. I had to treat 1000 gallons, so buying aquarium salt was not a reasonable, or economic option.
The fish is then eaten by a bird, the birds droppings infect snails, and the cycle starts again.
Without the fish being eaten by the bird, the cycle goes no where.
As far as salt goes, any concentration under 3ppt (parts per thousand), does nothing to effect ick, and won't cure it.
If you do add salt, salt (NaCl) is salt, so whether you use rock salt, water softener salt, table salt, or whatever, its all the same, only the cost is different.
I have successfully used water softener salt to cure ick. At about $5 for 50 lbs. I had to treat 1000 gallons, so buying aquarium salt was not a reasonable, or economic option.
