I prefer heat and salt for the simple fact it is peace of mind. Set the heat to around 85-87 degrees and it will not only speed the icks life cycle up but also stops it from reproducing. This way I know I completely rid of it
ICK..so SICK of it
- Thread starter Ihsnshaik
- Start date
I know a lot of people on here are "anti-medication", but unfortunately there are times when you have to use it. Over the past two years, I've encountered two cases of Ich that were unresponsive to heat + salt. At one point, I had literally turned my tank up to 90F (with salt) and was unable to eradicate the Ich. In fact, the parasite seemed to thrive on the increased temperature and multiplied incredibly fast over a one week period. Ich itself in becoming more resilient to heat and salt, as well as certain medications. Just like any other virus/parasite, they find ways to adapt, survive and resist. There is however, one product that I swear by. It's called Nox-Ich. The only store that I'm able to find it is Pet Supplies Plus. I also think it's available online. Both times I've had to use it, it literally erased all signs of Ich within 48 hours. However, I continued to treat the tank for 3 more days to ensure I eradicated the infestation. I did this with my tank set at 80F. The medication did not impact my BB colonies, and had no detrimental effects on my fish. If you go the medication route, this is definitely the stuff I recommend. Good luck!
I have always had great success with heat and salt however. I got ich once and was worried about myL200 who wasnt reacting well to the heat and I used API Ich cure and it worked fantastic. I have tried others before learning about salt and heat and the other meds killed my fish.
Imagine how much money the guy will make, who discovers the holy grail substance that treats every known fish ailment without harming the fish lol, one can dream!
Thanks guys for the advice! I did both the both old school method and medication route I guess time will tell.
I can confirm this product works every time for me...by the second day (2 treatments) in my 150 gal cichlids tank, all signs of ich gone. No water change nor adjustments in temp (I do keep my tank at a constant 86 F) during treatment...only removal of carbon from filters.
Prevention is key. My sources come during water changes...usually during winter months when tap water is very cold. My water changes involve refilling tanks directly with the garden hose which sometimes fluctuates water temp leading to ich. Just too lazy to age water or treat water before refilling tanks. Have never lost any fish from ich yet. Now I always have this Nox-Ich available and I can go on with my lazy ways not having to worry. I did say prevention is key so my water changing method is not recommended.
There is no non-toxic medication. Even salt is toxic in high concentration. The difference between remedy and toxin is a matter of dosage. Next time you take aspirin or Tylonol, pause a moment that you are taking toxin.
Nox Ich is half salt and half malachite green, so it is not non toxic. What makes Nox Ich an effective remedy is the MG ingredient which is very toxic to ick, but not to the fish host if you follow the dosage recommendation.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...517/weco-nox-ich-fish-parasite-treatment.html
I am in the new school and won't hesitate to use commercial ick remedy containing MG to treat my fish. I will not hold back and use the full dosage as instructed to strike ick hard on the head. Salt may be good for Ick prevention as many LFSs administer salt in their system circulation. But when Ick has broken out, salt is too weak and too slow to be effective.
Nox Ich is half salt and half malachite green, so it is not non toxic. What makes Nox Ich an effective remedy is the MG ingredient which is very toxic to ick, but not to the fish host if you follow the dosage recommendation.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...517/weco-nox-ich-fish-parasite-treatment.html
I am in the new school and won't hesitate to use commercial ick remedy containing MG to treat my fish. I will not hold back and use the full dosage as instructed to strike ick hard on the head. Salt may be good for Ick prevention as many LFSs administer salt in their system circulation. But when Ick has broken out, salt is too weak and too slow to be effective.
I had a problem for a while I got the stuff called quick cure it's blue turned my heater to Around 85 and took all carbon out
It's been 24 hours and my Texas is not looking good he's on the floor breathing heavily no appetite. Literally poured some salt on him where he tends to be and now he's a lot better. Took him a while but he's swimming now. Now my other flower horn which is small is acting like a psychotic fish swimming all weird and hitting objects.
I did the treatment again and I hope it gets better if not I'm going to quarantine them but I don't like to because he's stressed as it is.
I did the treatment again and I hope it gets better if not I'm going to quarantine them but I don't like to because he's stressed as it is.
Quick Cure is malachite green and formalin combination. Any commercial ick medicine that is deep green or blue contains MG. The combination is very toxic to ick. There is no need to raise the temp as cure is expected in one life cycle or 2 to 3 daily dosages.
