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I need your advice on the best ich treatment for a ten gallon tank with live plants, snails, a Corydora catfish, a Betta, an Ottocinclus, and a baby Bristlenose Plecostomus. The ich is very minor at point right now, but feel I should treat before it weakens my fish beyond their ability to fight back. I need something gentle enough for the Pleco, Otto, and snails, but strong enough to kill it well!

I need your advice on the best ich treatment for a ten gallon tank with live plants, snails, a Corydora catfish, a Betta, an Ottocinclus, and a baby Bristlenose Plecostomus. The ich is very minor at point right now, but feel I should treat before it weakens my fish beyond their ability to fight back. I need something gentle enough for the Pleco, Otto, and snails, but strong enough to kill it well!

Updated On November 17th, 2017

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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The safest treatment would be a temporary increase in water temperature and some plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Ich is very sensitive to temperature. Gradually increase water temperature, by no more than 1 degree F per hour, up to 86 F. Hold it at that temperature for at least 2weeks. This will speed up the life cycle and prevent reproduction. You can perform partial water changes (30%) and vacuum the substrate during treatment. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. An airstone should be used to increase oxygenation since warm water does not hold as much oxygen as cooler water. This could affect some the fish. Aquarium salt can be dissolved into the tank at 1-2 teaspoons per gallon of water. Dissolve it in a cup of tank water then pour it gently into the tank. When performing water changes, treat only the amount of water being replaced with salt, not the entire tank volume. After 2 weeks, gradually decrease water temperature back down to species appropriate levels.

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