Ich outbreak, I believe

[kkoch]

I had posted about having micro bubbles. I believe now that it was ich after one of my serpaes died last night. He was full of white spots. The other is full of them too. Some of the other fish show some signs, a spot or two. I treated this morning with Coppersafe and upped the temp. I am hoping this takes care of it. What do others think of Coppersafe? The Serpaes are the oldest in the tank, 3 to 4 years old. Are older fishes immune system weaker than younger fish?

[CrypticLifeStyle]

I would bring the temp to 81 though most say 85 as that's the ich target temp, but your pushing it at that temp, and add aquarium salt. Ich hates, and can't survive in salt in freshwater, and hates freshwater in saltwater tanks. Ich is a pita. There's going to be a lot of opinions on how to treat it.2-3 tablespoons salt per 5 gallons if I were also using the high temperature treatment outlined above. If I were using salt alone, I would work my way up to 4-5 tablespoons per 5 gall

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ich.php

[pirayaman]

if its ich raising the temp is all u need to do. i had it 2 seperate times on my tetras real bad. i raised temp to 81-85 degrees and within 2 days all spots were off fish. u need to keep temp up for a while 2 weeks in my case. cause even though they fall off the fish its still alive. i heard it cant multipy at that temp so eventuly its life cycle ends

[kkoch]

Temp has been adjusted and rising the last couple days. Was 79.2 last night. Hoping for low 80's today.

[RD3557]

Agree with with the above suggestions, however it really depends on the strain of ich. I recently encountered a strain that was extremely difficult to kill. I ended up keeping the tank at 86.5F for over two weeks until it finally succomed to the high temp(s). Fortunately, most strains of ich don't handle temps over 82-84. Regardless, it's important that you maintain the increased temp an additional 7-10 days after ALL white spots dissapear.

[CrypticLifeStyle]

Side note if your going to raise the temp high watch the fishes breathing. If it becomes heavier then normal throw in a air stone or drop the water level for more surface agitation. There's less oxygen with high temps

[kkoch]

Temp at 81 now and Coppersafe in since Saturday. How long should I keep at 81? I euthanized the second serpae. He looked horrible and was struggling. All other fish except my koi angel (one small spot. This might be damage from me. He's the one that swallowed the rock) show no signs.