diver28

I lost 4 fish to ICH in a 100 gallon tank. I think the water change got them since it dropped the temperature down 3 to 4 degrees. Caused too much stress. My real question is the PREVENT ICH medicine which is organic and can be used in reefs with live rock actually work? Has anyone tried it and has seen happy sustained fish. Please let me know.. I can't stand losing another fish.

Peterpiper

Sorry to hear you lost your fish diver28....
With ich in your tank, you will need to raise the temp to 82-83f and keep it there for 3 weeks before you can put any more fish in.
As for the water dropping 3-4 degrees. You should have a heater in the container that you use to prep your water, the new water should be at the same temp as the tank so you dont get temp spikes.
Preventing ich from getting into your main tank is simple, Use a QT, Keep any new fish in the QT FOR 3 weeks if the fish is healthy Place it in the main tank.
If the fish is sick, treat it in the QT
Here is the link to QT
http://www.fishlore.com/QuarantineTankSetup.htm

diver28

I have a hospital tank now and I just put my Eilbli Angel back in the main tank after two weeks. He seems fine and strong. Also, I thought about filling my tub with some hot/warm water to warm my new water when i do a change. The water I get is usually 67 degrees so it takes some time to warm. Do you think having warmer water put in than my tank's temp is better than colder water? I'm not trying to do it but if I were to errr on any side of error. I don't have soft corals.

Also, my local aquarists said 82 to 83 degree water temp is not enough to kill the ICH or shorten its life cycle in the free floating stage. He said it needed to be something more like 85 to 86 to be effective. I don't want to take that chance.

sgould

I'm going to have to disagree with whoever you are talking with there. They are right that 82-83 degree water will not kill Ich outright, but it will shorten the life cycle when compared to ich in cooler water.

Putting either warmer or cooler water in during water change is not good. Sudden fluctuations in temperature of more than about 2 degrees either direction cause stress. I 2nd PeterPiper's recommendation...get a heater to put in the container you are mixing your water in and set it to the same temperature as your tank. Mix your water at least the day before you do the water change and the heater will have time to bring the temp up to where you need it.

agsansoo

Please read my comments on treating ICH on this previous thread !

Is this true?

sgould

Bad link.

neverendingninja

You could potentially speed up the heating process by using an airstone to circulate the water in the container.

Also, you should invest in a "Coralife Digital Thermometer". They carry them at most PetSmart stores from what I gather. Much more accurate than analog or strip thermometers.

diver28

Yes, I've been meaning to get a new thermometer... I always forget after work to stop by and get one. Also, I don't mix my water.. I get it from the La Jolla Pier.. its free. We are very lucky out here! Birch Aquarium uses the water and so does everyone else that I know in San Diego. The pH is a little off so I usually have too add some buffer but otherwise its great filtered SW. I've now set my temp on my heater to 82 degrees. I've also sprinkled some garlic powder on my food before feeding during this recent ICH wave.

Peterpiper

Getting the water from the pier.. OK its free.. but do you know whats in it?

diver28

However, it does run through some very big filtration systems bigger than my living room. If the birch aquarium and ocean institute use it then I'm sure its safe. Everyone I know in the hobby goes there... I trust its quality. But, is there something I should worry about? Water tests fine but usually needs a little buffer to bring PH up.

Sm00th0perat0r

i just lost my imperial angel and i think they had ich and i added water yesterday and today he was dieing and i dont want to lose more i was putting a kordon product ich attack and i took my cardon out and i really dont see anything what else can i do?

agsansoo

Here I go again !

Ich is an obligate parasite. Usually I suggest ...
1) quarantine all fish for six weeks in quarantine tank. (i.e. plastic container or trash can)
2) Start by bring the salinity down slowly to 1.020-1.022 in quarantine tank.
3) Purchase a copper treatment, such as Seachem Cupramine ( quarantine tank only ) and follow directions.
4) Make sure the fish are eating well.
5) Bring temp to 86 degrees in empty display tank for 6 weeks.
6) NEVER EVER use copper as a treatment in your display tank.

agsansoo

I'm north of you in Los Angeles ... We use NSW from Scripps or Catalina water. I never have to mix up saltwater !

Sm00th0perat0r

i have a 240 show and it hard to take care of as in medication