General Advice On Treating Ich?

It's a 55 gallon with 5 platies, 3 nerites, and 3 cherry barbs. I was planning to get more cherry barbs but then ich happened!
I'm really confused on how to treat this. It seems like every website I go to has a different way. I have a few questions-
1. I like the heat way the best. But won't the ich just reproduce faster and continue taking over the tank if not used with other medications? Or does ich die at a specific temperature? If so, what is it? And will my stocking survive that temperature?
2. Does the heat method have to be used with salt/meds? If so, what meds are the best?
3. While treating, how often do I have to do gravel vacuums/water changes? Will water changes just stress out the fish more?
4. What is your method for treating ich?

I've already read the stickied ich thing, but I just want to clear up a few things. Thanks in advice!

 

Once the temp reaches a certain the point they stop reproducing and they die off. The special temp is about 86-88 F.

I kept the temp up in the high 80's for about a week and the ich was gone. I only did a couple extra water changes, and no I don't think it will stress the fish out. My fish seem to love water changes, they are super active after they get fresh water.

 

My betta came with ich. Turned the heat up to 86 for 10 days and it cleared right up. Was actually gone after 4-5 days, but you do need to do it for 7-10 days to be sure it's all gone. I did two or three water changes and good vacuuming. My guy loves the warmer water, too bad it would shorten his life, or I would keep him at least at 84. It's his favorite temp.

Also slowly raise the temp. Over several hours. Like a degree every hour or so. A quick temp increase will stress them out for sure. (Also slowly lower it when it's time to turn it down.)

Edit: be sure you vacuum very well. The little cysts do fall off onto your substrate. So you need to be sure you are getting as much as you can out of the tank.

 

I use this product for Ich:
Seachem - ParaGuard

I do not use heat and salt. The medication above is safe, mild, and always works. You should be able to purchase it at your local fish store or online at Amazon. I change at least 25% -50% of water volume with each dose as clean water promotes both the effectiveness of the medication and the natural immune defense of the fish.

 

Thank you all so much! I'm slowly raising the heat right now, about a degree every house.
Discusluv So I did a quick search about Paraguard and it says that it can be harmful to invertebrates. I'm concerned about the snails, but I have an empty running 5 gallon they could stay it. The problem is, I can't find them. If I dig around the sand and find them I'll pick up the Paraguard. If not, I'll probably use saltless-heat.