I was in the hobby decades ago and I had clown loaches. Back then we used meds for ich. Never heard of using salt back then. The meds would damage the skin of the loaches so ich was pretty serious and some did not live through the treatment.
Since I got back in the hobby last year, and now reading and studying and listening I have combated ich one time with salt and temp.
I have read that medications are more advanced these days and I keep them on hand but I am much more prone to using salt for ich and tissue damage in general. This is because I have seen the results with the fish I have. From what I have read, including bonifide research, chemical medicines can eradicate the ich quicker. So I keep meds just in case. That way if there is a major outbreak I can make the choice.
As far as loaches I would not want to push one way or the other as I don't have the current experience the OP was looking for. I do think that Duanes approach is valid. With ich it is best to move quickly with treatment. I cannot argue with the salt. Sometimes we do loose fish.
Since I got back in the hobby last year, and now reading and studying and listening I have combated ich one time with salt and temp.
I have read that medications are more advanced these days and I keep them on hand but I am much more prone to using salt for ich and tissue damage in general. This is because I have seen the results with the fish I have. From what I have read, including bonifide research, chemical medicines can eradicate the ich quicker. So I keep meds just in case. That way if there is a major outbreak I can make the choice.
As far as loaches I would not want to push one way or the other as I don't have the current experience the OP was looking for. I do think that Duanes approach is valid. With ich it is best to move quickly with treatment. I cannot argue with the salt. Sometimes we do loose fish.
