Ich or Ick on bare bottom tank?

[goldfish_is_orange]

I've read that when ich/ick appears as white spots on fish, one has to wait until they drop. Then they will "live" on the substrate before finding another fish host.

I don't know if this is a silly question, but can ich/ick survive in a bare-bottom tank? Does it also stick to decor/plants/rocks?

If you can't raise the temp (if you have goldfish for example), and you can't use salt because of plants, what brand of ich/ick medicine have you used?

I'm just asking out of curiosity, and to get myself ready in case I have to deal with these white spots. thanks!

 

[Essjay]

It can live anywhere in the tank. In the second stage it is so small it can't be seen with the naked eye so you wouldn't be able to see it on the bottom of a bare bottomed tank.

All ich medications are rough on the fish. I don't know if goldfish would be able to cope with 30 deg C/86 deg F for 2 weeks, but if a goldfish keeper says it's OK, heat is the method to use.

 

[goldfish_is_orange]

It can live anywhere in the tank. In the second stage it is so small it can't be seen with the naked eye so you wouldn't be able to see it on the bottom of a bare bottomed tank.

All ich medications are rough on the fish. I don't know if goldfish would be able to cope with 30 deg C/86 deg F for 2 weeks, but if a goldfish keeper says it's OK, heat is the method to use.

Thanks! I hope goldfish keepers can comment. I don't have a heater right now since the goldies don't need it.
I'm thinking of moving the plants out so I can use salt? Will huge water changes also help?

 

[Stefan3289]

There isn't a specific "method" on keeping ich out your tank, but keeping up with water changes and monitoring your fishes stress levels are the most important.

I personally think that most ich cases (and arguably most diseases) come from outside or new fish introduced in the tank since most people are pretty good about keeping the tank clean.