Am I overstocked??

[holbritter]

I really didn't think so, but I'm trying to figure out how I got infested with Ich. My water parameters as well as temp. are alway stable, no large flucuations.

I have introduced new fish about 2 weeks ago. But I checked them out carefully before getting them, and saw no signs of illness.

I have a 55g and stocked with whats in my sig. The angel is the largest one I have, as all the rest are new and young. (except the corycat)

[Lady Hobbs]

The new fish did it, my friend. They will getcha every time.

[YaYgoldFish]

I have to agree with Hobbs on this one. By the way, corys really do best in groups of 4+

[Lady Hobbs]

Aquarium salt, temps to 84 and continue treating for a week after you no longer even see ICK. Rotten things. I hate them.

[YaYgoldFish]

The problem is, their are a few fish on that list wich do not tolerate salt.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Yup, I definitely agree with Hobbs' assesment, likely the new fish. How is the circulation in the tank? One of the things that can cause Ich to become active is cold spots in the tank. The cooler spots actaully provide an environment condusive to the life cycle of the parasite. The cool spots provide an area of sudden temp change which creates stress for the fish, when fish are stressed the Ich will take advantage. This could be why it didn't show up for 2 weeks.
From the looks of your sig, there are a few fish there that are a bit more sensitive to salt but providing you slowly raise the concnetration they will adapt fine.

[holbritter]

Thanks for the replies! Well, half of the "new" guys didn't make it. I lost the bala and all the tetras.

I turned the temp up a couple of degrees, and am going to turn it up again later. I started treating, but don't want to use salt right now.

I really don't want to lose my lone corycat (his 2 brothers were eaten by the oscar I rehomed) He's been with me since I started my aquarium.
(I will be getting him some new buddies once this is over) And I'm probably going to lose my snail. (wasn't in my sig)

A couple of the platys were flashing, so I'm keeping an eye on them.

Well, thanks for the answers.....I guess I don't have to worry about being overstocked anymore :(

[smaug]

That sucks that you lost fish.What type of med did you use?Sorry I jumped the gun on my original reply,I reread and you never mentioned what you treated with.

[holbritter]

I am using Quick Cure, and all is going good so far. After 3 treatments: including 25% water change each time, and the heat is at 84 now, there are no signs of any new "white spots" on the rest of the fish, and the balloon molly that had it on her tail fin pretty bad, is now clear. She's acting much more normal now also. No more flashing going on by the platys. My cory and snail are still hanging in there!

I plan on continuing with the treatments for 4 more days though. Then start lowering the temp back to 79.

Boy....I never want this to happen again!! I'll be extra vigilant in the future and hope to plan on setting up a quarantine tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

The Ick reproduces at 5 days if it has the perfect temp for them AFTER they fall off the fish. I would treat longer than your plan just to play it safe. Cooler water will take a long time to get rid of them so leave those temps up for at least a week and 10 days to play it safe and keep treating. One or two little ICK can start a whole process going again.

Sorry you lost some fish. Ick really is a silent killer for sure.

I have used a strong solution of salt with featherfins, loaches and corys with no problem at all. It's not like us gargling with salt water and not nearly as potent as one might think. 5 T. of salt in a 50 gallon tank would be tasteless due to the concentration.

[smaug]

Quick cure is what I use as well,Ive never lost a fish to ick using that as the cure.A sickly black knife being the sole exception.

[holbritter]

Ok, 10 days it is! Thanks again :)

[smaug]

Im not trying to second guess you hobbs,and Im sure your info is correct about there life cycle.However,Ive never had to treat more them 3-4 days using quick cure.If I had to treat that long I would use something different.Quick cure will stain everything beyond cleaning if it is used for that long.

[Tooch]

I agree with Hobbs. It's important to treat for about a week after the disease, to avoid the cycle starting all over again. The med may stain the silacone in the tank, but it's a small price to pay to save the fish, and it'd only be a light blue, right? Take any decorations out and give them a bleach bath to clean them and any ich that may be on them.