ICH Qs

[Lenna]

Is it possible to cure ICH without meds? I haven't had an outbreak of it for years now, but got some neon tetras the other day which have developed ICH suddenly. I know I can increase the temperature to speed up the life cycle, but what temperature is recommended to kill the parasites without being too much for the tetras? I've turned the heater up to 27 degrees C, because that was the instruction on the meds, however I'd rather not meds at all if possible as I have many live plants that could be affected. Will a slightly higher temperature kill the ICH? Hopefully someone more experienced can help me out. TIA

 

[J_acon]

Heard about some methods, like rising temp or turning out the lights. But i always endup using meds. Guess you should go for meds too.

 

[gixer]

this isnt written by me im affraid, it was by top marine biolagist Dr Jason Bell from TOC Aquatics


"best and by far the safest way to treat ich is as follows

1. notice white spots and test water params. if there is ANY amonia or nitrite in the water then rectify this FIRST dilute with a water change how much depends on age of tank and levels of toxins

2. do spots go in a day or so? if yes wait!!!!!! it may return as that is the nature of the ich life cycle. there is absolutely NO POINT what so ever adding a med soon as you see white spots as no meds are affective against the ich untill it is off the host and in the free swiming stage! if the spots dont go then raise the temp to between 82-84 depending on species of fish being kept! you may even be able to raise it higther depending on the fish you have. the reason you raise the temp is because is speeds up the life cycle of ich in low level infestations this can be enougth for the ich to out compete itself and die off! it also accelerates the metabolism of the ich and lowers the water colum oxygen level (ich can be oxygen sensitive!) some meds recomend you raise the temp so when the ich dies you think great the med works i will recomend it! if a med tells you to raise the temp bin the med as its the temp doing the work not the med! yes theese companys are that dishonest i have read one companys internal memos when i worked there!

3. wait again if spots reappear then ten test water again if water params are all ok and the fish have ich still or it has become worse then beg borow buy or steal a UV steriliser hook it upto the tank and raise temp as the ich reaches free swing stage it will pass thru UV and be killed off! before anyone moans about the cost of a uv think about how much your fish have cost to build your stock up! then compare the cost of a UV!!! if water params are still not right do another water change and keep doing them daily untill params are ok

4. if you realy cant get a UV set up a hospital tank have good airiation dont bother with a filter the meds will kill it any way! just do 40% water changes every day pref by 20% morning 20% evening as a last resort add meds to this tank make sure the tank is bare NO SUBSTRATE as this is where the ich spend 1/2 of life cycle!

most cases of ich will clear before you reach stage 4."

 

[G_Sharky]

Raise your temp all the way to 30 C/86 F and ICH would clear out in a couple of days..Most parasites won't survive this temp, my tank is on this temp on a regular basis and all my fish is thriving and I never had any parasitic breakout eversince..Salt is also good to use.....

 

[Lenna]

Good. I see that you have neon tetras, so the higher temp must be okay for them, that was all I was worried about. Thanks for the advice, I'll put the heater on 30 degress C and as I'm doing a gravel vac today I'll add a little more salt than usual. Hopefully this should kill of the ICH

 

[gixer]

Salt is also good to use.....

even with your cories?