Ich in a 10 gal tank

Question
I have had this tank for about two years, now with 6 fish.  One MM Platy who had fry about 5 months ago. 2 fry survived, one about 3/4 in long, the other we call the mutant. He doesn't seem to want to grow up, still less than 1cm, and his spine is bent.  So shocked he was one of the surviving fry!  I also have 3 old neons, and a Chinese algae eater.

I moved the tank from work to home in March and shortly after the CAE I had died.  I was getting a lot of algae after the move, so two weeks ago I got another CAE.  He must have brought home ich, because today I found white spots on my adult platy. I can't see spots on any of the other fish though.

Ironically I tested water yesterday which was all fine and I gave the tank a big cleaning, turning over gravel and vacuuming it up as best I could with about 30% water change. I added my PH 7.0 and my water conditioner and all seemed fine, but the platy started hiding under a rock.  I don't remember seeing spots yesterday, but they are sure there today and match the signs of ich.  I had ich in the tank once before shortly after I set it up, but the neons are the only fish that were around at that time.

I treated ich last time with clout and it seemed to do the job.  I researched today and see mixed response about whether it is best to use clout (or similar tx) versus salt bath and higher temp.  I went ahead and used the clout though this morning. I used a lighter dosing because I have the CAE in there which I saw could be sensitive.  The fish all seem to be doing fine with the treatment so far.

I would appreciate any feedback or thoughts you have regarding how I should proceed with the ich treatment.  The box says do another dose in 24 hours if all is not well, but online I see more intensive instructions, like treat every other day and add water changes, etc.  What do you think is best?

Also, should I add water conditioner in with the treatment?  will that reduce stress?

Also could the ich come from stirring up the bottom like I did yesterday?  If it came from the new fish, he still doesn't show any signs of ich.

And finally, any feedback on my little mutant?  I keep expecting him to die, but somehow he lives on!

Thanks!
Kim


Answer
Kim,

I saw no one had answered this yet and wanted to make sure you were getting the help you needed.  Unfortunately I don't have time to answer this at the moment, however here is a great forum dedicated to fish health and diseases that should help you:  http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=67

Good luck with your fish!


Sean
Owner - FishGeeks.com