treating ich

Question
Hi,

I am a beginner with a 55 gallon freshwater setup. My tank has numerous fish as well as lots of live plants. Just recently, I found a whole bunch of white spots on one of my bala sharks.

I should I have researched it a bit more, but I started right away and started with malachite green as a treatment. And from what I understand, this is a very harsh treatment, especially harsh on live plants, tetras, and catfish (I have all 3 of those :( ).

Right now I have only used 1 mild dose of it, (2 teaspoons instead of 5). Are my plants pretty much dead? I know I probably won't know for a few days.

I've also researched alternative methods such as heating my tank to above 85 degrees for a several days as well as salt. What would you recommend? My plants were just starting to get really pretty and I would like to preserve them as much as possible.

Answer
Hi Jon,

Normally I would write a more detailed response to your question, but I have to get out the door - however, I would like to reply as soon as possible. The ich treatment you are using will maleffect your plants, and will be harsh on your scaleless fish and tetras. I would not recommend you continue with the dose.

Instead, run some fresh carbon in your tank - if you are using a canister filter, then add some to one of the baskets. If you are using hang on back filters with cartridges or pouches, just insert a fresh one of those. The carbon will absorb the medication - hopefully it is not too late to save your plants, I don't think it is!

I highly recommend you go the salt and heat route. Much is written about it here: http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php

I would recommend 1 tablespoon of salt (either aquarium or kosher or sea salt - non-iodized salt is what you need) per 5 gallons.  Dissolve it in warm water first. In two or three days, you can dose the same amount over again - but you might not even need to, the heat alone will kill the ich tomonts. Make sure that you use plenty of extra aeration (either powerheads or airstones) and that you drop your water line an inch or so, that way it will make more splash. 85 degrees for a week is what I recommend...have used it myself!

I hope that helps, take care.
Nicole