A few queries about Ich

[Assuluto]

Right, i've been looking around on the net for some info on Ich and i am a tad confused...

I know about the stages etc. but what i dont get is some guides about treatment

These are some things i need clarifying

1. Is it neccesary to remove the carbon filter?
2. Iv'e read that malachite green becomes ineffective because of the light in the tank
3.Should be using full dosage of WS3 (What it says on the bottle) or 2/3's dosage (as prescribed by LFS)
4. Is the medication ONLY effective when the embryo/cyst is in the "free swimming" state?
5. Is it better to use salts to cure a sick fish or to use the medication i.e. WS3?

Any replies are appreciated

*Updtae*

I've also read that its not the medication that results in teh lack of oxygen in the water, but its the fact that you have to turn the temp. of the tank up and warm water cannot hold oxygen as well as colder water.

 

[Alien Anna]

1. Is it neccesary to remove the carbon filter?

Yes, if you don't want the medication to be taken out of the water the instant you add it! You don't need carbon in your filter all the time anyway, particularly if you've got live plants. It only works for the first few days and during that time it takes minerals etc. out of the water that are good for your plants and fish.

2. Iv'e read that malachite green becomes ineffective because of the light in the tank

I've no idea. I've never used malachite green to cure ich.

3.Should be using full dosage of WS3 (What it says on the bottle) or 2/3's dosage (as prescribed by LFS)

It depends on the type of fish. If you've got scaleless fish (particularly loaches) you should use a half dose. It can kill off the beneficial bacteria in your filter so you have to use it carefully.

4. Is the medication ONLY effective when the embryo/cyst is in the "free swimming" state?

Yes, but since that happens during the whitespot phase and you can't predict exactly when it is, you treat anyway. You just keep it up for at least 10 days to make sure you've killed it all off. Increasing the temperature makes the ich free-swimming more quickly.

5. Is it better to use salts to cure a sick fish or to use the medication i.e. WS3?

It depends, and opinions vary. If you have fish that are salt intolerant that is not an option open to you. If your fish are salt tolerant its probably better not to risk killing off your beneficial bacteria, and using just heat and salt.

 

[platypus]

One other small point - when you turn the temperature up (to about 80º), make sure you do it gradually otherwise your fish might get a bit shocked !