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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Ich
Expert: Tom Lee - 11/8/2009
Question
Hello. I have 2 small Ryukin Goldfish in a 30 gallon tank with a penguin 350 filter and a 5 inch air stone. My tank is almost cycled and they have Ich. They are very active and have a few spot's on there tail's. I have been treating them with Quick Cure for 3 day's and I put a heater in the tank and raised the temp. to 81. Could you please tell me if I am doing the right thing. Thank-you.
Sincerely,
Answer
Hi Dawn,
When Ich is visible to the naked eye it is called a trophont. It burrows it way under the protective layer over the scales and is completely safe from any treatment that you put in the tank. They tend to thrive at 75-80 and this feeding stage will only last a few days, then it will fall off and become a tomont. During the tomont stage it is open to attack from chemical treatments. So, whilst you may not see improvement within in the appearance of the fish you are slowing down the reproduction of trophonts.
The problem with Ich is, the bacteria is almost always present within your tank (like fungi spores). However it will only ever attack weakened fish and is usually associated with cycle problems. Raising the temperature is a good idea, however you must keep the surface water churning constantly to allow optimum oxygenation (this is particularly important with Goldfish).
I'd advise keeping the temperature raised at 81, then adding a couple of tablespoons of Aquarium salt per 5 gallons of water. Add salt over a period of 24-48 hours (dissolving in aquarium water first)....keep an eye on your Goldfish and perform an immediate water change if they show any agitation. If you encounter any problems then don't hesitate to get back to me.
Thanks
Tom
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