Ick?

[Beth_Laubenthal]

I was wondering how long it usually takes to get rid of ick. My betta came own with it 3 days ago. I treated with API Super Ick Liquid Cure. Most of the parasite is gone. I just see a few stubborn cysts on his fins. Did a 2/3 water change today. Washed the plants and decor in scalding hot water. Did another dose of the ick meds and added 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt to his tank (5 gallon). I have a non-adjustable heater in his tank now. Bought an adjustable one "just in case," however, I've heard conflicting things about heating the water above 78 degrees.

How long does it typically take to get rid of ick? Am I doing the right things? If not, what should I be doing?

Thanks!
-Beth

 

[omega59]

Raise the water temp up to about 80F
Remove Carbon and leave only sponge in filter
Dose with meds one round
Does for a second round and possibly a third round will do it
whiles keeping up with the water changes as it directs you to do
I think you want it to fall off the fish this is how it dies from the medication after. So raising the temp makes it fall off the fish from what i understand. Goodluck!

 

[Rummynose]

The heat will speed up the cycle of the parasite (spots on fish, cysts in gravel, free swimmers in water that are looking to attach to the fish). Depending on the medication they affect different stages of the cycle!

Always do the full regimen of the medication, follow it to the letter and do thourough gravel vacs! You want to get all those nasties so you don't get a recurrance!

 

[omega59]

I know this is drastic, but if your betta is in a smaller tank.. perhaps you can do a large water change and also wash through the gravel in a sifter?

 

[Beth_Laubenthal]

I know this is drastic, but if your betta is in a smaller tank.. perhaps you can do a large water change and also wash through the gravel in a sifter?

Okay. In the morning, I'll cup him. He does not like to be housed in anything smaller than 5 gallon. He cups easily. Used to it. I'll thoroughly clean everything. Then put the adjustable heater in it. I just hope it does not get too hot. I think it might be a bit big for the tank, but I will try it for a bit before putting him back in. Put aquarium salts in there too.

I'm on dose 3 of the medication. It's just a bit of the ick is being stubborn. My first time ever treating it or dealing with it. Perhaps the ick does need a dose of heat to kill it.

Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome!