Keep your clown loaches in warmer water!

[timeneverfreezes]

Does ich appear on its own or do you need to introduce it from somewhere else?

Most cichlids can handle 82-84?

 

[David R]

The Ich parasite life cycle slows down as water temperatures rise.

I thought it sped up with an increase in temperature, which is why people tell you to raise the temp when treating whitespot to get them off the fish and into the water where they can be killed?

 

[ewurm]

100% truth and one of my first hard lessons learned! Worst part is that ich loves scaleless loach flesh. Must work fast and furious to stop the cycle.

Glad to get some backup from another experienced loach keeper.

Does ich appear on its own or do you need to introduce it from somewhere else?

Most cichlids can handle 82-84?

Ich parasites are present in any tank, but in remission. They attack weak fish. I don't know about most cichlids, but I think it should be fine. The Amazon area is pretty warm. I have a Hartwegi cichlid in my main tank, it's fine.

 

[BigJ]

Good stuff! Very true.

 

[skiptomyzoo]

I thought it sped up with an increase in temperature, which is why people tell you to raise the temp when treating whitespot to get them off the fish and into the water where they can be killed?

The Ich parasite life cycle slows down as water temperatures rise. A higher ambient temperature in the tank helps prevent ich outbreaks.

David R, you are correct, Ewurm, your going to have to edit your original post. The idea is to speed up the reproduction process, which is the reverse of what one would think, and for the same reason David stated.

 

[Rockbass6]

I keep my loach tank in the high 70's, 80's is aweful high for my tankmates. I have learned that it is always a good idea to have good cover for them. Something along the lines of a big piece of driftwood with the insides and bottom hollowed out to hide under. From my experience more cover and keeping them from getting stressed has also helped with ich. If you have kept loaches, you know that if you rearrange the tank on them they stress, lose color, and really freak out!

 

[David R]

...not that I'm disagreeing with what you're saying Ewurm, high temps are definitely better for loaches. I usually run my tanks at around 81F and have had very few problems with whitespot. The warm water also speeds up their metabolism and helps them grow.

 

[Lupin]

Does ich appear on its own or do you need to introduce it from somewhere else?

Most cichlids can handle 82-84?

Ich will appear via unquarantined specimens which is why I always recommend a quarantine tank for new arrivals regardless of the circumstances around. Quarantine for four weeks or even longer. Doesn't hurt to do that and is better than dealing with any health issues later on. Just be patient.

Most cichlids particularly though from South America can tolerate that range of temperature.

 

[ewurm]

David R, you are correct, Ewurm, your going to have to edit your original post. The idea is to speed up the reproduction process, which is the reverse of what one would think, and for the same reason David stated.

You're right on that, it does speed up the reproduction process and the life cycle. I spoke incorrectly. I meant to say it slows the spread of active parasites in the tank.

 

[ewurm]

I keep my loach tank in the high 70's, 80's is aweful high for my tankmates. I have learned that it is always a good idea to have good cover for them. Something along the lines of a big piece of driftwood with the insides and bottom hollowed out to hide under. From my experience more cover and keeping them from getting stressed has also helped with ich. If you have kept loaches, you know that if you rearrange the tank on them they stress, lose color, and really freak out!

You're right about the cover. I have quite a bit of driftwood in my tanks. You would think that more hiding spots would keep them out of sight, but the opposite is true. I have found that many retreats makes them bolder and more visible in the tank.