Ick

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Benja

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 30, 2009
17
0
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Ottawa ON. CANADA
I ask this because I have justed moved my 3 4-6" polys into a 125g tank
I had recently bought a pair of GT's and firemouths to accompany them.
The cichlids gradually all caught it, starting with one GT which I had suspected from the beginning(noticed slime coat was shedding slightly)

Are Polypterids susceptible to ick?

I have owned Polys for about 6 months, and never had to treat them.
I have also noticed in my community tank: some fish are never bothered by ick.


 
I have never seen a poly with ick. I have, however, seen a tank full of clowns and ropes all with ick and a lfs.
 
With their armor protection, bichirs are not susceptible to getting ick on their bodies, but their gills are very vulnerable and the fish likely have it there.


Do you know how to treat for ick?
 
Actujally they all are susceptable to ICH however they are likely to be the last infected

treatment-Raise the temp of your tank to at least 85-86 degrees F.
Add aquarium salt (dissolved in water) at a ratio of 2 teaspoons of salt per gallon of water in your tank.
Now wait, while waiting it does not hurt to add a powerhead or airstone to increase the O2 level.
Over the first couple days your fish will look worse but then they will clear up. about the sixth day they will look clear but because some ecystments have not yet hatched keep the treatment up for the full 10 days.
If you are not able to raise the temperature you need to extend the treatment, at 85 the ich's life cycle is quick but at 72 it can take weeks, below 70F treat for 6 weeks.
 
I forgot to mention. I took all the cichlids and put them in a hospital tank.
It is much easier to medicate 20g then the 125g.
I am using "Quick-Cure", It has always worked in my 75g community tank, my tetras & blue rams always seem to get it whenever I introduce new fish.

I am going to keep a very close eye on my bichirs, I'll try raising the temps too.

I am going to hold off medicating and salt.

From my experience, the medication is hard on plants.
 
Ah so you're one of those 'I'm going to ask for help, but in the end completely ignore it' types. Got it.

Good luck with that.
 
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