Possible Ick

[Phishy]

I purchased 8 discus and 15 Cardinal Tetras last week from my well-known online breeder. Everything‘s been going pretty good with them in a 55 gallon quarantine tank. I’ve been doing 50% water changes every other day and just monitoring them. I got home this afternoon and noticed what looks like Ick. The temperature is 83° and most fish look infected. I’m slowly raising the temperature this evening hoping to end up about 90°. Just wanting to get your opinion to make sure I’m actually dealing with Ick. What surprises me is that they’ve been totally isolated in their own tank for eight days showing no symptoms but I’m glad quarantined. 
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[gimaal]

Re: Possible Ick

Yes. Ich. It's not surprising that it did not show up during 8 days of quarantine. 90F will take care of it but it will take some time--upwards of two weeks. If you want faster results, both species tolerate salt treatment well.

[brewmaster15]

Re: Possible Ick

Yes. Ich. It's not surprising that it did not show up during 8 days of quarantine. 90F will take care of it but it will take some time--upwards of two weeks. If you want faster results, both species tolerate salt treatment well.

Agree 100% with Aaron.

al

[jwcarlson]

Re: Possible Ick

Looks like ich to me. If you start seeing it on the eyes or if you start seeing a lot more spots it might be epistylis. The good news is ich usually isn't a terribly big concern as far as mortality.

[Phishy]

Re: Possible Ick

I started treatment for Ick five days ago. Raised the temperature to 88°, I’ve been treating with top fin ick remedy and have added salt at the rate of 1 tablespoon for 10 gallons. The discus appear perfect with no signs of Ick now. However, the Tetras seem worse now than they were. They are all still in the same tank. I really wish I had another quarantine tank at this point. Any thoughts? I really appreciate the help.

[brewmaster15]

Re: Possible Ick

I started treatment for Ick five days ago. Raised the temperature to 88°, I’ve been treating with top fin ick remedy and have added salt at the rate of 1 tablespoon for 10 gallons. The discus appear perfect with no signs of Ick now. However, the Tetras seem worse now than they were. They are all still in the same tank. I really wish I had another quarantine tank at this point. Any thoughts? I really appreciate the help.

the topfin remedy isnt really a remedy I am afraid. Its an herbal concoction. ..

D-Limonene, Gentian Violet, Capsaicin

probably most of the recovery you are seeing is from raising the temperature. Gentian violet maybe a little helpful.

You really want a medication with malachite green and formalin. On tetras its used half strength as they are sensitive... but even half strength its better than that "treatment". Unfortunately people usually experience high losses from ick with tetras.

An alternative is increasing the salt to 1 tablespoon per 1gal and increase aeration. Tetras should handle that. Also dont skimp on daily water changes... the more the better.

hth,
Al

[gimaal]

Re: Possible Ick

Not familiar with the product you are using. What's the active ingredient? The only treatment I've ever used is heat and salt -- 3 doses of 1 teaspoon per gallon spaced 12 hours apart for a total of 3 tsps per gallon. Heat accelerates the life cycle of the parasite so fish look worse before they get better. Your fish are probably fine.

[gimaal]

Re: Possible Ick

Al and I crossed in the wires but have the same solution (no pun intended) regarding salt. FYI, 3 teaspoons = 1 Tablespoon

[Phishy]

Re: Possible Ick

Thanks guys! I really appreciate getting correct advice. This group is great!