Ich, adding salt to a freshwater tank?

So I'm a newbie and I just read the article on Ich. It recommends adding 1tsp of canning salt per 1 gallon of water. So in my 20 gal, 20 tsp. Is this safe to do with the fish in the tank? Also, how long do I turn the temp up and will this hurt my tropical fish? I'm so nervous about adding salt to a freshwater tank....

 

Have you tried the heat treatment?

Slowly raise the temperature in the tank to 86 degrees and keep it there. Make sure you have enough oxygen transfer because the higher temperatures can make it difficult for your fish to breathe. I usually add an air stone during treatment.

Some fish react worse to salt then others. The ones you have listed in your aquarium info should be okay. I would lessen the dose by half though.

Good luck.

 

Welcome to Fishlore.

Follow the link to curing ich naturally. It should answer your questions and prepare you for what to expect. I personally would not use salt in a freshwater tank. But I also keep fish that are very sensitive to it.

Your profile states you have plecos and tetras. These are sensitive fish. I recommend avoiding the salt.

 

Dena, I did follow the link to curing it naturally. It states to use heat, lots of O2 and salt. Perhaps maybe only like 5 tsp, that is one quarter what the article says. I just don't want to hurt the fish. Also, how long do I leave the heat turned up?

 

Dena, I did follow the link to curing it naturally. It states to use heat, lots of O2 and salt. Perhaps maybe only like 5 tsp, that is one quarter what the article says. I just don't want to hurt the fish. Also, how long do I leave the heat turned up?

oh, you mean the link you posted. I will read on! back in a flash...

 

ok, just read it. I'm going to use your method because the salt just makes me too nervous. Will update and let ou know how it goes. Thanks for the help!

 

when I do the water changes, I treat it before I add it to the tank, or add the water, then treat the tank? and how often to I vacuum the gravel, with each water change?

 

UPDATE!!!!!!!! The hot water method WORKS!!!!! I have not lost one fish, and they even look shiny again! I am so thankful for this site and for castma_97504 (Dena) This process is working beautifully!

 

Happy to hear it is working for you. Continue with the full 14-day treatment before slowly lowering the temperature back to its normal level.

 

yup, I started it on the 13th, I can't believe what's happening just 2 days into treatment. Crazy, Oxygen and heat, who knew!

 

Fish are miraculous creatures that need the simple help from their owners!

Most diseases can treated, but even better prevented by having prpoer water parameters, safe water changes and a stable, suitable environment!

Glad you found help before it got too serious!

 

my fish are so happy and healthy, they have started having babies. I had to set up a fry tank because I couldnt bear the thought of them getting eaten. I'm not really a softy, but I couldnt help it with these guys, they were my first.

 

That is the best news!