Loaches Online Forum

I have a 210 gallon freshwater aquarium. Encountered ich, lost (10) 6" clown loaches. Out of 10 loaches, only 4 had ich and all died after the second dose of treatment, and they had a lot of white spots. I treated every 3 days for 18 days with Seachem Polyguard (because it only contains 4% malachine green, ½ dose), raised temperature to 85 degrees, while doing 20% water changes and vacuuming gravel before each treatment. The Seachem company told me to treat for 21 days (only treated for 18 days because of ammonia spike). There were no other casualties in my tank, just them.

I am now experiencing an ammonia spike of 1.5, nitrites 0, nitrates 12. I’m still doing water changes.

After crying for a few days and learning about this parasite I need some assurance that I may have gotten all of the ich out of my tank. I’m scared to get any more clowns in the future; however they are my favorite. Any advice? Will ich be gone? So frustrated!!

Laura

Laura, how long has it been since you stopped the treatment.?
before you get any more fish for this tank firstly you need to get rid of the ammonia spike and if everythings fine with the existing fish and there's a no show with the ich, you should be ready to restock but err on caution and only get a few at a time.
do you know what caused the ammonia spike in the first place, was it the treatment or a had a fish died where you could'nt see it.?

mick
and welcome to LOL, hope you enjoy yourself.

I started treating on 8/15/2008, and my last dose was on 8/30/2008 (total 18 days with meds in the water). There was no sign of ick on 8/24/2008, but I dosed two more times. anyways. I had to stop because I started seeing an ammonia spike. I've done daily 20% water changes since 8/31/2008.

I don't plan on adding any more fish for a while. My nitrites are 0 (good news), nitrates 12.

Laura

cheers Laura, i'd keep looking just in case the ich for a couple more weeks just to make sure, then if you fancy a fish you will be alright.

mick