Loaches Online Forum

I'm new to this forum, but thought I'd ask a question about Ich. I didn't realize that I had a problem with Ich until my Arowana died.

Then I took a closer look at my Clown Loaches and a few of them had white spots. I ran out bought Rid-Ich and started the treatment 50%day/50%night dosages.

It was too late apparently cause I lost all 9 loaches and a very expensive snowball plecos.

The only survivors are my 2 candy cane plecos. Their spots are gone and are just stressed now due to the water temps being 84 degrees.

So my question is, now that the spots are going how long do I wait before I know for sure I'm in the clear to even think about new fish?

I'm going to keep dosing 50/50 for the next 3 days, but do you think I should dose even more days after the initial 3? I also have been doing 50% water changes every other day.

Would love anyone's input, its very much appreciated.

Sorry you lost so many fish

Generally it is considered safe to stop the medication 3 days after you are sure you have seen no more spots.
Very gradually lower the temperature, too. 1*F per day, or .5*C per day.
I would give it several weeks after the medicine has cleared to be sure Ich is not going to come back. Keep monitoring the fish.

You can keep the nitrifying bacteria alive by feeding the tank as if there were still a full load of fish in it. Another way is to get a bottle of Dr. Tim's One and Only or Tetra Safe Start when you are ready to restock. These are the products with the actual species of nitrifying bacteria that the filter and tank will need to handle the fish waste.

Thank you Diana. I'm going to start lowering the temps in 2 days and my last dose of treatment should be tomorrow night.

So depressing watching this almost empty tank. Water change in a few hours and then another water test.