probs. with Polypertus

Question
ok this is long sorry but it may help i just bought two ploypertus And  they are starting to hang around the surface and are very sluggish but i did just start treating for ick and parasites and i have taken out the carbon part of the filter so not to effect the bottom other bottom dwellers and many sites that i have been to have not been very helpful in my search of finding out what is wrong with my fish please help

Answer
Hi Mikeal,
Do your two fish have ick, only? Do they look like they might have any other disease such as any white fuzzy areas or areas that appear slimy?
Also, sometimes when you are using medication to treat diseases, they need extra oxygen and you have to use an air pump and an air stone. Medications will cause the water to have less oxygen and fish will sometimes hang around the surface trying to gasp to get more oxygen.
Have you done any water tests? You probably need to get water test kits to test your water. It might have high ammonia, nitrites or nitrates that could also be causing your fish to be sicker. Also, make sure that you are keeping their water clean by doing regular and frequent water changes at least once a week. If you do have high ammonia, nitrites or nitrates be sure to remove at least 1/3-1/2 of the tank water. Be sure to use a dechlorinator and make sure the replacement water  is the same temperature as the tank water.
Try looking closely at your fish and check for some of the diseases I mentioned and also test your water just to be sure that it isn't causing them to feel sick.
I hope that your fish start to feel better soon.
Feel free to ask any more questions and I will do my best to help.
Best of luck,
Karen