Freshwater Fish Experts: Treating Ich in Clown Loaches

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the treatment of Ich in Clown Loaches, focusing on various medications and methods, including the use of salt, temperature adjustments, and potential risks associated with different treatments. Participants share their experiences and concerns regarding the health of the fish and the effectiveness of various treatments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports that their Clown Loaches are exhibiting signs of Ich, such as scraping against surfaces, despite not seeing visible white spots.
  • Another participant suggests that a 1-2% peroxide solution should be safe for fish, recommending a dilution of drugstore peroxide.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of using Quick Cure, which contains formalin and malachite green, due to its potential toxicity to loaches.
  • There is uncertainty about whether the symptoms truly indicate Ich, as one participant notes the absence of visible spots and suggests it could be something else.
  • Participants discuss the importance of removing carbon from filters when treating with medications to prevent absorption of the treatment.
  • One participant mentions the low concentrations of formalin used in treatments, contrasting it with higher concentrations used for tissue preservation.
  • Another participant advises considering a quarantine or hospital tank for safer treatment options, such as CopperSafe, while expressing concern about the potential effects of salt on loaches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and effectiveness of various treatments for Ich, particularly regarding the use of formalin and malachite green. There is no consensus on the best course of action, and uncertainty remains about the diagnosis of Ich.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations such as the lack of visible symptoms, the impact of water temperature fluctuations, and the need for careful monitoring of treatment effects on loaches.

DaveC426913
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Despite my quarantine, my new Clown Loaches have got Ich. It's not bad, I can't actually see any white dots, but they're frantically scraping themselves on every available surface.

I've been trying 'Super Ich Cure' in capsule form (Benzaldehyde Green, Nitrofurzone), which may be keeping the Ich at bay. However, the bottle form of 'Quick Cure' (Formalin, Malachite Green) is the best I've heard, and was quite effective last time.

I've been warned away from using Quick Cure on Loaches, I was told it would surely kill them (and likely my shrimps too), so I'm a bit stuck.

I've got some salt in the tank and I've got the temp. up to 26C.

I am tempted to give them a swab with peroxide, does anyone know how dilute the peroxide should be? I used 1.5% on my Betta and she did OK, but loaches are scaleless.

(Worse yet - I've had to stop regular water changes for a few days since my water heater's on the fritz.)

Advice?
 
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1-2% isn't a problem for fish, they've got the "slime" protecting them. I've always just cut drugstore peroxide (3%) to a third (2 water plus one peroxide).
 
I don't think the ich cure stuff should harm them. but don't take my word for it, I'm just thinking outloud. I'd get a new heater, you don't want temps going nuts, especially when they got ich, are you even sure it is ich? if they don't have spots yet, it may be something else. I don't remember, but when curing ich, ur either supposed to turn the heat up, or turn it down, i just can't remember which, but find out.
Lastly, make sure you take the carbon out of ur filter once you treat the water, or the ich cure will get absorbed.
 
You cure ich with formalin? And that doesn't just kill and preserve your fish?
 
I agree with your hesitation to use the Quick-Cure. Formalin and Malachite Green are pretty toxic to loaches. If you have a quarantine tank, do you also have a "hospital tank". If you can, get the loaches out (tough, I know) and get them into a tank you can treat with CopperSafe or else remove any inverts you don't want to kill. Treat with the Coppersafe and keep up with the elevated temp and water changes. The salt may also bother the loaches if it's on the high side. Good luck.
 
Moonbear said:
You cure ich with formalin? And that doesn't just kill and preserve your fish?

Yes, but then you don't have to worry about any more diseases.:biggrin:

The formalin concentrations used to treat fish with those preparations are quite low, ~1 tsp of 37% formalin/gallon (some use even less). Obviously much less than you would use for tissue preservation purposes.
 

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