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How do I prevent my clown loaches from getting ich. They are small, ranging from 1/2 inch to 3 inches and get ich atleast once every 3 mths. I know, this is probably a repetitive question, but would appreciate any comments or links to other threads.

Thank you.

Keep the water temperature consistant. Swings in temperature will often stress the fish leading to Ich, IMO&E that's the #1 cause of ich, sudden swings (more than 2 degrees a day) in temp.
Also maintain consistant maintence patterns to keep the water quality as good as possible.

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Keep a lookout for early signs of Ich. Also keep some rock salt handy at all times. Raising the temperature and adding rock salt is the best solution for ich.

Quarantine all new additions to the tank !!!

I use a product called Aquari-sol.

This is an ich medication, and CAN also be used as a preventave.

After we do water changes, we just squirt some in, but DO NOT USE A FULL DOSE, use like a 1/5 dose or smaller.

We probably use maby 3 tablespoons in our 55g tank.

How do I prevent my clown loaches from getting ich.

I would be more concerned on how it gets into your tank??

It can come in several ways
1 on a new fish.
2 on a new plant.
3 in the water change.

The first two are easy to control by good house keeping and a very keen eye.

The third possibility is where it is coming from most.

I always had the same problem for years until I worked out it only came in the colder months (Tank temps did not drop at night) therefore it had to come in the water.

I purchased two 25Lt water containers and after each 10%water change I add the necessary water chemicals top up the containers leave the top of. They are now already for the following week.

Some may say this step is too much trouble but its up to you I warm the water to just above the tank temp (in the laundry trough. Reason no rapid water temp drop. The tank heaters have also been off for about 2 hrs any way

Please correct me if I am wrong but does this "ICH" need a hoast to live? As there is no host in the water container it just dies. Well that is my theory and it works for me.

Keith

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I remember Babel's advice on leaving the heater on at all times and did just that, but after a water change, the ich came back, so I know that Keith is right and so is Babel, it comes with the new water I put in as the water is cooler. I have a separate container which is about 50L and I can keep it filled with water. But how do I get the water to warm?

I have only 1 heater and I need that in the tank. And I have no laundry trough.



Last edited by Clownygirl at 23-Dec-2004 09:01

Ich does need a host to live, you're right in that keith. Clowny if you can't possibly get an additional heater for the water change water, I'd suggest using water that's been boiled (not hot out of the tap) and combine it with the water change water before adding it to the tank in order to get it to the correct temperture. Thermometers shouldn't be as expensive as a heater (here in the states they're around $2 for the cheap ones).
Another possibility is to remove the heater from the tank for awhile and add it to the water change water to match the tempperature. Because you're in a rather warm climate the heater being out of the main tank for a half hour to hour that it takes for the water change shouldnt' be enough to lower the tank temp enough that the ich would be able to effect the fish....

So, best thing would be to get an additional heater, set it to the same temp as the tank so you can match the water change water before adding it. Next best would be to use hot water to match the temp of the tank water.

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So using hot water and mixing it with tap water is okay. I thought, hot water would not have enuff oxygen so I ruled out that option. Thermometers are cheap here too, $2 for a nice one, but I have to travel a bit to buy them.

Clownygirl

If you are in a high temp climate just put the change over water in the sun, you will be supprised how little time it takes to warm up. I have never used a thermometer to get the temp for the water change. I use my finger it is easy and always reliable. Test the tank water with your finger every day and you will learn very quickly the temp.

I did try heating up using tank heaters but for some reason they just kept busting proving rather costly. I have read recently here on FP that you should let the heater sit in tank water for at least 20 minutes before turning it on. (This I did not do)

I hope this helps and does not confuse you more.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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I use bottled water from hinkley springs. I tested it and all the parameters seem ok for the fish. what I do is take water from a 5 gal bottle and warm it with the hot water from the dispenser til it is within one degree of whats in there now, keeping the temp fairly constant. use a thermometer to check and make sure. never had ich, or anything else.

The temps are fairly warm in India, so I tend to agree with Keith. The 2nd tank in my house averages between 27 and 29 degrees. However, I have noticed, since I added the heater, I dont have to medicate the tank for ich. It comes regularly, but also goes on its own in a week's time. Had another small attack when I started this thread, and now things are better. I think it must be because the temps during the day and night are at a difference of about 5 degrees C. Not that the water is cold, its just that the temps are different. I got me a thermometer, but tat was for the tank without the heater, to make sure the water is above 25 degrees C.

Its water change time again, and I am hoping there is no ich attack following the change. I will try to heat the water in the bucket before the change. Yes, the heater needs to stay in the tank for atleast 20 mins after being switched off, or its busted. Know that and follow that strictly, my cheap chinese heater is doing wonders for my tank.

Thanks everybody for the info, will keep you guys posted about the ich problem after this week's water change.