ick and salt???

[Mrs.JP]

I have spotted ick in both the 72gl & the 55gl. I am going to treat with salt but I can't figure out how often do I add the 1tlbs/5gl dose. I have the first dose melting as I type.

[CACAdmin]

I've never treated with salt but unlike meds it doesn't dissipate and is not removed by filtration or evaporation. Therefore I think you would treat with the one dose and then replish the amount lost when doing a water change to maintain the 1 tbsp/5 gal.

Hopefully, someone with experience in treating ich with salt will stop by and be able to provide advice based on experience. Good luck in your battle with Ich.

[Slipstream]

Yes, good luck, and dont forget to turn up the temperature :)

[KnaveTO]

If you have any scaless fish or bottom feeders in there (i.e. cories, loaches, plecos) watch them while you are treating.

I usually treat with 1 tbsp of salt per gallon temp up to 84 and use para-guard by Seachem. Treatment lasts for a minimum of 7 days or till 4 days after I see the last spot whichever is the longer period of time. During the course of treatment I do daily water vaccuumings and replace with an equally salted water solution. Remember to always treat the water with the meds after you have done the water change. Once I am sure that the ich is gone (usually 3 days without spots) I will start reducing the salinity of the tank by replacing the water with straight water - no salt during the water changes.