Sasukii

Ok, so I had Ick in my tank... So, I purchased some QuICK Cure ( http://www.aq-products.com/APpro/quickcure.htm ) and followed the directions. It stated on the package as well as the bottle itself - Remove carbon from filter. My filter has two 'filters' one with carbon inside, and one that is like, a white sponge... Since I didn't have a 'non carbon filled' filter to replace the one with carbon inside, I just removed the carbon filter... Administered the medication, and 24 hours after last dose I reinserted old filter (did a 25% water change before putting it back in, swishing it around in the old water to loosen up anything that settled and clean it out a little bit) then put it back in. Now I'm getting high ammonia readings, and I'm trying to do 25%-50% water changes... is this normal? Is this because I removed that filter? Is this going to go back to normal soon?? the readings are 3-5 PPM... and also curious, could I have left the filter in during dosing?

Just freaking out... =) Oh, and once this all settles, I want to purchase more platys - I know what a male looks like, and I was browsing at LFS, they all have fins down there... is it possible they only have males??

Sasukii

OH and also - the medication kind of turned all my silicone blue in the corners... is there a way to get rid of that? if no, it's ok. it kind of helps the silicone blend in, not as much of an eyesore... but I still notice!

pinkfloydpuffer

When you took the carbon media out of your aquarium that let all the bacteria on it die, so that would make you go into a minicycle. If you can use Prime to protect your fish until the cycle comes back that would be really good.

Shawnie

also, meds kill the cycle...and putting the old filter back in, will probably reinfest the tank with ICH as im sure there are spores on the media I agree with PFP about the prime and water changes..goodluck!

Sasukii

See, that's what I thought. SO should I medicate for two days (says cures ick in two days) or at least one dose to try and get it out of the filter?? I just don't get it, why did it tell me to remove it? Was I supposed to replace it with a new filter? UGH.

pinkfloydpuffer

You have to remove the carbon because carbon removes meds from the water, making them useless. I think you probably should have replaced it.
Have you ever tried the temperature method of dealing with ich? That will help you ensure the problem's gone without hurting your cycle even more.

Sasukii

Well, the only issue with the temp method is the heater I have, I can't adjust the temp. It keeps the temp of the tank around 72 degrees. Sometimes a little warmer, but that's it. I can't raise it - and I can't afford to invest in a new heater right now. This one already cost me $15... seeing as how I'm laid off, and Christmas is coming up money is tight. I could go buy a new set of filters, and just remove this one, remedicate for 2 days - and replace filter with a new one 24 hours later, and deal with a re-cycle. Other than that, I don't know. I can manage to buy filters, but I can't invest in a new heater anytime too soon... This economy sucks!

Dozey

The economy certainly does suck, so I can understand it's just not in the budget. But when you can, the economy can't stay like this forever please get yourself a new heater. 72 is a bit on the cool side and contributes to the growth of ick.

Have you been good this year? Maybe Santa will bring you a new heater.

pinkfloydpuffer

I think if you remove your carbon, medicate, and then get new carbon you should be alright.

Sasukii

alright. I'll give that a go. Hopefully it doesn't get too cloudy in there... Oh and if by Santa you mean anyone but me - I'll have to do some 'overtime' good stuff to get a heater for Christmas lol but It's on my list!

GouramiGirl1221

Quick question...will the temperature method also kill the ich spores in the filter media, or do you have to replace your media either way?

pinkfloydpuffer

I think that it would, cause the warmer water is going through the filter. I'd be sure to rinse it well in dechlorinated water to get the spores out though.

Dozey

As this would kill the bacteria in the media wouldn't it be just as easy to replace it and be on the safe side at the same time?

pinkfloydpuffer

Would it kill the bacteria in the media? I didn't think it would.

Dozey

I'm sorry, my mistake... you said "De"-chlorinated water. Sorry about the mistake.

pinkfloydpuffer

Oh, I thought you were referring to the temperature. No worries.