Both tanks have ICK and Molly is about to give birth?

Question

I've treated both 10gal tanks for two days and ICK is getting better. To avoid "problems" with delivery, I moved the 3 other mollies to the other tank and left the gravid molly alone in hers. Is this a good idea to switch fish to the other tank like this ? I'm very new to this delightful and interesting hobby, so I'm experimenting. I've done the same "mad scientist" trials with beekeeping for a few years and had good success, but this is foreign ground to me.

Answer 1

Be absolutely sure to continue the treatment for at least 10 days, 14 would be better. As mollies can take a lot of salt, adding 2-3 tablespoons of salt per 5 gallons would be a good idea to help the treatment along. Increasing heat is also a great method. If possible get the tanks above 88F and the ick treatment will go all the much faster for it. Change the salt and heat slowly though. No more than a degree an hour for the heat. Glad you are having sucess treating it, ick can be a real pain.

You're right, it's not a good idea to move fish from one tank to the other and a big no no when you have a disease problem. As you are aware, you must treat both tanks.

Here's a little info to clear the air on ick.

White spot disease or Ick is a parasite in your aquarium. To dispell some common myths it is not caused by poor water quality or low temperatures, or ammonia, or dirty filters or anything else like that. It does not lurk around in a tank waiting to attack fish, it does not only attack weakened fish, it is not airborne. None of that is true. It is caused by a secific parasite and must be introduced into the tank. This usually happens when you bring in new fish from an infected tank.

Best of luck!

MM

Answer 2

I just went to a website that's just about ick and they said to treat your tanks for 2 weeks, that the larve from the parasite will continue to hatch for that time (almost like flea eggs).

Answer 3

I think it is ok for the fish to be moved as long as you don't continue to move them within 24 hours. They could get sick of getting moved around so much.

For the ICK problem, you can get algea drops.

Answer 4

maybe this will help: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1977&articleid=2421 this site has a lot of useful info on all topics about pets, but it has alot of great fish info.