Suggestions fighting Ich....

[The Shield]

As some are aware from my post in the Central/North American Cichlid section, on Friday I noticed half of my fish in the tank have what appears to be Ich. The only thing I can think of is the new Pleco I bought at Petsmart brough it to the tank as all of the water parameters are in check....

0 Ammonia
0 Nitrites
7 PH
<20 Nitrates after scheduled water change

It has been MANY years since I've had to deal with this and 1st time in my 100g. I've tried all of the medicines in the past with poor results, but this time I'm going to try the increased temp and salt method. All of the fish in my tank are listed below in my sig. Does anyone have any further suggestions or concerns? I plan on starting the process after dinner, which is in the next few hours (I know it's short notice for this thread), but any input will help.

Thanks!

[The Shield]

Well I did a 30% water change, added dechlorinator/Stress coat, 40Tbsp of Kosher salt, added another air pump, and filled it back up. I also bumped the temp to 86* over the course of a few hours. The Oscar and Dempsey sure did put a scare into me as they immediately went to the bottom and sat there after the salt was added. The Oscar is slowly getting back to normal but the Dempsey, who is the worst infected, is still sitting on the bottom, upright and not moving at all. Keep your fingers crossed for me the next 10 days or so. Also I'll be checking this thread for any suggestions or tips along the way! :22:

[The Shield]

Well so far so good. Some of the Convicts that showed a little infection are now totally clear, and the Dempsey is 50% better. All are eating normal, but are a little more aggressive than usual, probably from the increase in temp. I kinda feel bad for all of them as the water feels like a jacuzzi tub, even though its at 86*. I'll post their progress at the end of the treatment. thumbs2:

[Rue]

Good luck! I treated my goldfish/dojo tank for ich...about a month or so ago...and it recovered! Hope that's the last I see of it!

[The Shield]

I am in need of suggestions now. After 5 days of the salt/temp treatment my Oscar and Dempsey are starting to show signs of what I believe is stress. Just today their color is 50% gone and very pale. They are eating normal but are sluggish otherwise. I don't believe its an oxygen issue as I have 2 air pumps going along with the water 1/2" below the spray bar of my canister. Could it be due to the prolonged high temp (86*)?

Should I cut the treatment short and start lowering the temp, or just wait it out?