Plecostemous Help?

Question

I'm currently treating my tank for ick using salt and higher temps. The salt concentration is about 2% (4 tablespoons in a 10 gallon) and the temp is at about 86-87. My plecostemous is swimming like he's uncomfortable. Is that all it is or could he be in some sort of pain? Should I remove and quarantine him? Should I reduce the salt or temp (both were introduced gradually since yesterday)?

Answer 1

Do a small water change of about 10-20%, and use only fresh water. Plecos don't handle salt that well, and you really only need about one tablespoon for every ten gallons to treat it. Ick is always in the water; a healthy fish's immune system will prevent an infection, much like your own immune system keeps the bacteria which live on your skin from eating you alive. Plus, watch those temps. If you're running over 85, notch it down. Raising the temperature and adding lots of salt will actually work against your efforts, since the sudden change of environment stresses your fish. Stress weakens the immune system, and that's where the problem is in the first place.

So allow your tank to cool down (mid seventies to lower eighties are fine), and make sure not to make any more dramatic changes. I would recommend doing smaller water changes (10-20% today, and again tomorrow) as opposed to taking out half your water all at once and replacing it. You'd be bound to change the PH and temperature of your water too drastically if you did it all at once.

If the ICK doesn't start calming down within a week, I would recommend first making sure that your temperature doesn't bounce around (your tank isn't close to an air conditioner, is it?), and that you're feeding a varied diet (100% flake, 24/7, isn't the best thing to do). Make sure, as well, to turn off the light at night--fish need a day and night cycle, just like they'd have in the wild. In short, make sure the environment is as stable as it can be to avoid stressing anyone out further. ICK's always there--but a healthy fish doesn't show signs of it.

Answer 2

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