Clown Loach - ICH or stress?

Okay, looking for some quick suggestions here. I currently have 5 clowns and 4 kuhlis in a 55. The clowns are all still 2 or less inches and am planning to upgrade them to a bigger tank in a year or so. They have been in the 55 happily for about a month.

I found a perfect dead tree stump/root about a week ago, scrubbed, soaked, cut, all that jazz. I removed everything from my tank last night (except the fish), put in the stump and plants (and other small cave areas). All of the fish seem to really enjoy the extra space with this arrangement so far, although it's early to say that. The problem is that when I got up this morning, 2 of the five loaches seem to have a minimal numbers of white specs and swimming vertically in corners of the tank.

Does this seem like it could possibly be just from the stress of revamping the tank (+ 50% water change) or does this sound for sure like ICH? I have the temp set around 80-81 degrees as it is, and don't really have a decent quarantine tank available.

I can post some pics if need be tonight. All of the tests seem to read right (except nitrite/nitrate, which I don't have a kit for)

Looking from some advice (hopefully Butterfly and her knowledge of loaches )


EDIT: My sig. isn't updated. There aren't any Tiger Barb in the tank anymore

 

I'm probably not as qualified as Butterfly but I have 3 Clown Loaches (about 4-5 inches each) and about a dozen black and 6 striped khulis. Before I start I really recommend getting another nitrAte tester. I have seven tanks running and I probably do 6-14 tests every other day (That includes b4 and after water changes).

Clowns are VERY susceptible to ich. I always keep ich med ready just in case. Stress can cause an outbreak of ich. My loaches always behave similar when I change their environment. Last week I took one and put him in another tank to eat a snail infestation, but all he would do is swim up and down the corner of the glass for about 3 days. He finally settled down and did his job.

IMO: I would check in the morning to see if it's either worse or infecting others. If so, I would start the ich med and the rest of the procedures (raise temp, remove carbon, ect...)

 

Clown Loaches are ICH magnets. Stress or chilling(how close to the tank water temp was the replacement water) will bring on a bout of ICH without any warning.
Loaches love warmer temps and ICH can't live in it so I would start out raising the water temp a little at a time. Raise it over 82f.
Since you just did a water change you don't need to do another for a day or so, then do a 25% change and vacuum the tank really well to remove any ICH that may have fallen off the fish. do this for 14 days(ICH life cycle)
This is the best treatment for clowns with ICH there is and it works.
If it turns out they don't have ICH leaving the temp about 82F(that's where I keep mine) will make them very happy and you won't have to worry about them getting ICH.
Please keep us posted as to how they are doing.
Since you re-arranged the tank if you think they are stressed you can leave the lights off for a day . This will calm them.
carol

 

Awesome, thank you both for the insight. I've got the tank up to 81.6 F now with the lights out for a day. Did another 10% water change tonight. The clowns have been looking better but who knows until I turn on the lights again.

On the subject of getting the water temperature right before adding it to the tank, I'm not the most skilled person at judging temp with my hands. Is there any type of thermometer that I can use (besides the aquarium thermometer) that will tell me an exact temp. instantly (i.e. a meat thermometer??). I've always wanted to make it more exact but never really knew how.

Any insight in this would be great also,

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't try to get the temp exact but at least within a degree but warmer is better than cooler. If your using buckets then drop one of those floating thermometers in to check it.
I refill my tanks with a water hose attached to my kitchen sink so it is easy to set the water temperature going back into my tanks. Yes I add dechlor as I refill
Do the clowns have enough hiding/sleeping places?
Carol

 

Yeah, I think so. I have to find a camera so I can post pictures. The clowns and kuhlI mix is so exciting. They are both tremendously curious about each other haha

 

Yeah, I think so. I have to find a camera so I can post pictures. The clowns and kuhlI mix is so exciting. They are both tremendously curious about each other haha

Oh yes we love pictures
I have Kuhlis with my clowns also They are such... well...Clowns
Carol

 

Thanks Carol for pulling through again!

I saw the post was unanswered for most the day, so I wanted to get help out, hoping you'd catch up!... you know... "positive constructive"...stall tactics!

 

Thanks Carol for pulling through again!

I saw the post was unanswered for most the day, so I wanted to get help out, hoping you'd catch up!... you know... "positive constructive"...stall tactics!

Welcome as always. You know I love loaches Your advice was right on the money too so good job!
I had to work today so I wasn't able to check in until late. Isn't it awful how life gets in the way of our hobbies
Carol

 

Tip: When you are checking the temperature of the new water you have ready to go into the tank, hold the thermometer in the bottom of the bucket. Remember heat rises and the temperature at the top may be warmer than the temperature at the bottom. Be sure to stir the bucket of water as well for a more accurate reading.

I always place my thermometer in the filter. I believe this gives you the correct temperature instead of placing it somewhere in the tank.
Best of luck for your Clown Loaches.
Ken

 

Isn't it awful how life gets in the way of our hobbies

SO TRUE!!!!

 

Allright, I have finally have some pictures uploaded.

And for an update, the loaches are looking a bit better, but still have a a bit of ich. How many days at 82-84 F temps until you typically see a change?

 

Allright, I have finally have some pictures uploaded.

And for an update, the loaches are looking a bit better, but still have a a bit of ich. How many days at 82-84 F temps until you typically see a change?

You usually don't see a change for about a week but you want to leave the temps up for at least 14 days( length of ICH life cycle). If you still see any spots leave it a few more Days.
Recommended temps for Clown Loaches is 78-83F anyway. Mine really enjoy the 82F temps they stay at and no problems with ICH at that temp
Glad their showing some improvement. Thanks for the pics (nice tank) and the update.
Carol

 

You have a beautiful tank Slevin. Great advice on the ICH treatment. Here is a link you may find helpful down the road concerning Clown Loaches.
Clown Loach Coloration & Marking Variations — Loaches Online




Best of luck for a full speedy recovery!
Ken

 

A big problem I am having right now is controlling the temp in the 55 gallon. I have 2 200w heaters in there now, but the temp fluctuates from 81 to 83 most of the day.

I had an idea but feel free to shoot it down. I can move the fish from my 30 gallon and put them in the in the 55. Then I can move the clown loaches to the 30 gallon, where I can control the heat much easier and move the power head to the 30 gallon for proper circulation.

First of all, will this help the fish any more than what I am doing now?

Also, do you think this is just too much stress on them right now?

Thanks in advance for the feedback, you gusy have all been very helpful

 

I don't think moving them will help them anymore than what your doing right now and a move would be very stressful. Tbhey will have to be moved back to the 55 g eventually anyway so I personally would leave well enough alone.
Carol

 

I agree with Butterfly. I wouldn't put them under any unnecessary stress.
Ken

 

I see a lot of mixed responses about salt. Would adding just a tablespoon or so of dissolved aquarium salt have a negative effect or any effect at all?

 

Loaches don't in general like salt. Adding it won't make you get any faster results. Patience is what's going to pay off right not. Sorry sometimes there aren't any fast cures
Carol

 

Ok just making sure I am covering all bases. Thanks for the responses!

 

Well, as of now, I have lost 2 of my 5 clown loaches. The other 3 aren't looking well, so I don't want to put much hope in them.

Trying to think of a good replacement fish, with a fun personality like the loaches, just not near as sensitive. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

I'm so sorry you lost two but don't give up on the other three. Keep up the water changes and substrate vacuums. Keep us posted.
carol