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Hi all,

I have a pair of convict cichlids, male about 2", female about 1 1/4", which i got 4 days ago, in a 35g tank, on their own. They have developed loads of small white spots in the last day or so, so I have started to up the temp (was 77, now 80 over 24hrs). I am in england, and cant find rid-ich, or anything similar, but have added a product called white spot control, which contains malachite green, acriflavine, and quinene sulphate, in the dose described on the box, however, the instructions say to add this dose every 48hrs until symptoms have gone, and then for a further 48hrs.

This means I will probably be adding the dose 4, maybe 5 times. Are these instructions correct? it seems a bit strange to me.


regards

NB

PS, there are no other fish in the tank, filter for tank had previously been running in another tank for 3-4 weeks, before i set this tank up, so no cycling problems.

It sounds ok, except I have never seen a medication that is to be dosed every 48 hours, it's usually every 24.

contains malachite green, acriflavine, and quinene sulphate

sounds good to me, just make sure you dim the tank lights (turn them off) and make sure the tank is very aerated as these medicines can be harsh and the idea is to help them get better, not worse.

I would probably alter the dosage shedule and give a reduced amount every 24 hours instead of 48 but I can't really say that for sure without more information about the product. The best thing to do when in doubt is just go by whatever it says on the box, IME.

You will want to treat the ich until at least 3 days after there are no more spots, whenever that is, so those directions do sound good. I would probably do TWO doses after all of the spots have dropped off though, instead of the single dose suggested.

You'll need to remove your carbon from your filter, and the addition of these chemicals will most likely kill whatever cycle you had established. So, you need to monitor your water parameters closely during treatment and for a week or two after finishing the treatment.

Another cure for Ich you should be able to get is Tri-Sulphur. Anything with malachite green or methyl blue as the active ingredients should be fine for Ich also. You will find these two in most 'multi cure' medications to varying concentrations.

Don't forget to increase water temp as well, to speed the ich life cycle so the meds can best act on it.

Good Luck!

Bill,

I would follow the instructions on the product's label. Maracide, a treatment for ich, has similar instructions. That is, dose then repeat in two to three days.

A higher temp speeds the parasite cycle whereas a lower temperature slows the parasite cycle. The protozoa is susceptible (treatable) only in the tomont and thermont stages when it is free swimming. At temps above 75F, its life cycle is 4 days so the concept of a staged treatment makes great sense.

If your fish and plants can withstand relatively high temperatures, you may want to raise the tank temps above 85F. Above that temp the protozoan cannot reproduce. You would maintain that temp for 4 days and provide strong surface movement to improve the water/air exchange.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Hi there,

thanks for all your comments, the 2 fish have now not had any visible signs of ich for 2 days. How much longer should i wait before adding carbon to my filters to get rid of the meds.

Also, will the meds have killed off the bacteria in my filter? should i reseed the filter using biomedia from the filter on my other tank?

regards

NB

I'd keep treating for another week or so. Once you have finished the treatment, do a water change, and then add your carbon etc. back into the filter. You might find it useful to add some of the media from your other filter to kick start your cycle. I have used "New Improved Cycle" to kick start tanks, and it is very good at adding the good bacteria. The meds you have been using will have wiped most of your good bacteria out...