Correct solution to ich medication problem?

Question

My fish suffer from Ich, the medication appears to burn them. It's a 10gallon set-up with 4 guppies, 4 neon tetras and 2 neon black tetras. I've decided to try and solve the problem using tonic salt baths and cutting the dose of the Ich treatment in half. What dillution of salt is safe to use first the guppies, and secondly the tetras since I know guppies are much more tolerant of salt? Also what temperature should I raise my tank water to and still remain in safe levels for the fish I have? It was 78, I've slowly raised it to 82 on advice from my local fish shop.
I'd like to know if I should increase, decrease or leave the temperature as is?
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Answer 1

A 1% salt solution is a good level for a salt dip for any of the species you list. That level equals 1 gram per liter or very close to 1 tablespoon per gallon. Treat the fish by dipping them in the solution for 5 minutes or until they show major stress which ever comes first. You can use this dip up to 2 times per day.

You should significantly increase the temperature of the tank. 82F is a wonderful temperature to prompt the rapid and healthy growth of ich. At 85F ich does not reproduce properly and at 87.5F is is killed or significantly damaged. so increase the temperature to at least 85F and preferably 88F.

You can use up to 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons directly in your tank to assist in killing the ich in the tank. Also, changing 50% of the water with a good gravel cleaning each day will drastically reduce the levels of ich in the tank.

As far as medications, I rely on medications that have malachite green and formalin as active ingriedents and never have had burn issues. Quick Cure is a very common and reliable brand. If possible, check your ammonia levels in the tank. Some ich medications can damage the bacteria bed and cause the ammonia to spike. This could be the source of the burns you are seeing instead of the medication directly.

If I can help further feel free to email me

MM