My tank has Ich!!

[Kelly1234]

I have a 20 gallon tank set up with 2 nano clowns, a royal gramma basslet, a firefish, an urchin, and some hermit crabs. Yesterday night, I noticed that my basslet was covered with white spots (maybe 25) and panicked because it came up so quickly. Inspecting my other fish, it seems that it has spread to them as well but not nearly as severe. The clowns each had 2-3 spots on them and the firefish maybe 5-6.

I adjusted the temperature of the tank higher to 82 degrees (I'm not sure if this helps at all though..) and checked my water parameters..

PH - 8
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5

This morning, looking quickly before work, the spots on my royal gramma looked faded from the night before, however, I noticed a lot of new ones formed underneath him and it looked like he had been scratching. I didn't see them on my clowns anymore and my firefish was hiding so I couldn't see how he looked.

I have no idea what to do, they all seem to be eating fine. I do not have a quarantine set up and cycled already but willing to buy one.

[scooter31707]

The best method is the Tank Transfer Method, but if you cannot not do that method, get a quarantine tank big enough to house all the fish and treat with New Life Spectrum Ick Shield Powder. I think this is safer and easier on the fish than copper. Your DT needs to fallow for at 72 days before any fish goes back in.

[MrsReefK]

There are three options for battling Ich. I have not heard of the powder being successful, but have heard there are only 3 ways. Tank transfer method (TTM) (I am currently doing this, on day one), second way is copper, third way is hyposalinity. There's a great sticky laying all three out in the fish disease forum. Sorry, not sure how to link to it from my phone.

[scooter31707]

I had good success with the powder, actually it was recommended on this forum. Hypo-salinity and Cooper are good treatments, but can be dangerous with you do not know what you are doing. Both has to be accurate to be effective. If not done correctly, it can lead to death or even more illness to the fish.

[Kelly1234]

I would like to try the quarantine method, however, I do not have a quarantine tank set up already. I'm willing to buy one but wouldn't it need to be cycled?

[scooter31707]

you could use water out your DT to fill the QT. Get a filter for the QT and make sure you have movement in the tank. You will have to monitor the parameters because it is not cycled, and you may have to do a lot of water changes until it stabilizes. Keep some Prime on-hand.

[Kelly1234]

I will do that, thank you!!

[gone fishin]

I would lower your temps back to normal range. all the higher temps will do is lower the oxygen level.

I would use fresh saltwater to fill your QT, the DT is already infected. I very seldom cycle my QT's. You will want to have water on hand for water changes, some prime and I like to use the ammonia alert badges as well. Be advised that if you use prime there is a good chance that you will get an erroneous reading with your test kit. This is due to the prime interacting with the ammonia. Seachem makes an ammonia test that works with the prime.

You will need to leave the DT fallow or fishless for 72 days. good luck

[Kelly1234]

what do you recommend treating the QT with? would you use copper? I've never had to do this before and I know copper is very strong.

[Marchillo]

The method I like most is TTM but you need 2 xs the equipment. Copper needs to be at a very specific level and can be tricky with water changes and evaporation. Many people use it with success though.

[scooter31707]

I had good success with NLS Ich-Shield Powder, if you cannot use the TTM. IMO, its safer to use than copper and hypo-salinity and also it easier on the fish, IMO.

[lmforbis]

DO NOT use prime or any other ammonia detoxifier if you use copper. It will kill the fish. You can use it with hypo salinity.

[e048]

Use clout or malchite green over copper

That's why you need to qt things before adding them to your tank live and learn

[Kelly1234]

Yes, I know that now.

[gone fishin]

I have heard mixed results with the ich shield powder, the active ingredient is chloroquin phosphate.

It has been ages since I used cupramine, copper, As mentioned strict attention needs to be paid to the copper level and no prime or similar product used on the tank. I believe there may be a sticky in the fish disease forum. I would be hesitant to list any specific numbers. copper is a poison and to little does not address the issue and to much will be fatal.

TTM does not have to be expensive a couple 10g tanks, 2 small heaters and a air pump with some air stones. Also, some PVC pieces for the fish to hide in. some folks have used 5g buckets. The trick with TTM is to stick to the transfer timeline and make sure the used equipment is cleaned and dry for 24 hours prior to the next transfer.

hyposalinity is just difficult to execute properly. The salinity is set to 1.009 and held there for at least 30 days after the last symptoms are observed on the fish. If the Salinity rises above the 1.009 then the clock resets and start over. It sounds simple but it is difficult IMO without a good refractometer and ATO.