Loaches with Ich?

Question

My loaches have a mild amount of ich i have to look closeley in order to see the white spots but its only the loaches and im assuming that its cuz they dont have scales.
im leaving for vacation in about two weeks i have people wholl come and take care of my pets while im gone
im so worried that the loaches will get sicker
ive been increasing heat in the tank
but 1. my heater doesnt exceed over around 86 degrees and 2. im afraid that itll hurt the other fish :( (2 gold barbs and one bloodfin)

please help!

Answer 1

As you obviously know, you can't treat the ich effectively with medications with loaches in the tank, so I would agree that heat and some salt will be the treatment of choice. I suggest you get an additional heater and get the temperature up to 88-90F. It won't hurt the loaches or the other fish in the tank. Also, give the tank large daily water changes while cleaning the gravel. This will help remove the ich and clear it up far faster. Loaches are often the first fish in a tank to show ich because in large part they stay on the bottom and are nearest to the ich when it becomes swimming tomites. You can also add 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon to the tank to help kill the ich. After adding the salt, be sure to replace it when you do a water change, bt ONLY replace the amount you removed. If you do a water change and remove 5 gallons for water, replace the salt for 5 gallons. If the change is 10 gallons, replace the salt for 10 gallons NOT for the entire tank again each time.

Leaving the water level an inch or so low will help aerate the tank while the temperature is high and that will help reduce stress on the fish.

Best of luck with it and if I can help more feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

Do 50% water change, add Rid Ich+ full strength (according to bottle) Increase aireation in the tank, keep temp to about 85-86 degrees.

Your loaches should be ok, and this will not harm your barbs.