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what type of remedy would be good for a discus and 10 tetras that will work on all and idont have to put out money for another tank?

Rid ich + is good for scaleless fish. Maracide I've used to treat corys, tetras, and a pictus....do not know for sure that it's safe for discus...although it should be.

Most important thing is to treat ASAP with meds. You can slowly increase the temperature along with increasing surface agitation AFTER you've added meds. Be sure to remove carbon and add fresh carbon back in after treating the tank.

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thanks babel! but what is it caused from? bad water?

Ich is a disease which apears due to stress. It is actually caused by a parasite - Ichthyophthirius. The fish can normally kill the parasite in its developmetn stage when it lives below the skin, if they are healthy. However, in tanks which are cycling or fish which have been weakened by another disease or stress, then the parasite lives, and will eventually develop into the diagnostic white spot.

When treating Ich, it is IMPERATIVE that water quality be kept as close to perfect as is possible. If the tank is cycling, then chemical ammonia removers and tri/quad-weekly water changes should be used. Fish should be fed the minimum amount possible, as they will be unwilling to eat and uneaten food can pollute an aquarium. The temperature in the tank should be raised to expedide treatment - at 25C the life cycle of the parasite will be complete in a week. By raising the temperature, you cause the water to hold less dissolved oxygen, so water agitation should be increased by twofold at least. Try to keep the ligts on for only about 6 hours a day, to minimise stress and try not to harass the fish too much.

If there was a cycle going on which caused the tank to cycle, you must ensure that the cycle proceeds very slowly, contain it with 10% water changes as and when. Once the cycle is done, feed live or fresh food, the protein will help the fish recover.

hope this helps - sorry about the essay

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I like to think that whoever designed marine life was thinking of it as basically an entertainment medium. That would explain some of the things down there, some of the unearthly biological contraptions

Great post, tiny.

I've noticed an awful lot of questions about ich on the boards recently, hopefully people will actually read it and take something away from it. Ich is one of those illnesses we see popping up over and over again, even though it's really easily preventable, really a shame.

Just to clear up causes for stress, there can be many factors. Incorrect temperature, poor water quality, overstocking, aggression, handling or the introduction of an infected fish can all lead to an outbreak. The good news is it's easy to treat and prevent. Those fish should be better in no time.

One thing you'll also want to look out for in advanced cases of ich is secondary infections that happen because of the lesions on the skin. Melafix can be a good preventative measure for this and can be dosed with most ich medications if you feel it's necessary. Good luck.

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thanks so much guys im going to do my changes more often 'blushes' and im really going to watch my fish a little more to see if their stressed!