oscar with ick

Question
Dear Lynda,

I have 3 black tiger oscars, 2 albino tiger oscars, 2 gourami's in a 1 1/2 foot tank. All fairly small less than 2 inches

The 3 black oscars seem to have white spots all over the body, i researched the condition online and it seems as though they have ick.

In mumbai (india) we dont have to many medicines available for fish, one that i know of is terramycin. should i use it.

since spotting the spots, i have changed about 75 % of the water.

Plz help. its been 6 months since ive been keeping fish and i dont want to lose any.

im sure u understand

Regards

Shaz

Answer
Hi Shaz,
If you could find "Quick Cure" this would get rid of the ick.  Aquarium Salt may also be used.  Bring you temperature up to 82, and add 1/2 teaspoon of diluted aquarium salt per gallon of water.  Ick hates heat, and salt.  This method will take a little more time for the parasites to die, but they will in time.
I would also like to add that Oscars need big tanks.  One Oscar needs 50 gallons of water all to himself, two Oscars need 100 gallons, 3 Oscars, need 150 gallons, and so on.  If they do not have this space, their growth will be stunted, and their internal organs will have no place to grow causing death.  It is a terrible way to die, so I thought I would mention this to you.
I hope your fish will get better soon.
Lynda