Well, I was away for about 5 days, and my oscars were fed well before I left. Well it just so happens I had a pleco in the tank (about 3 inches long) die probally right as I left (I did not know this) I came back and seen it, so i scooped it out. Well its flesh literally peeled right off it's body, like it disinigrated. I looked at my oscars, and 3 of the 4 have very very very mild ick. My jack dehmpsy, GT, and the african chiclids are fine. All the fish are eating health and still very active. I did a water change immediately (literally about 85%) water temp is between 80-82 F. Is there anything else I should do?


BTW the water temp before the water change was like 70-72 I believe. It got pretty cold because my tank is right near my window and it's 20 degrees out side with 20 inches of snow

i think its best for u to treat the whole tank. i normally use aquarium salt as it is safer and easier to dilute compared to meds. besides, it doesnt change the colour of the water. i use 1 tsp(5ml) to every 5 Gal of water. but if ur pleco died of ich, that normally means that the ich strain is quite strong. plecos are normally more immune to ich and would be the last in the tank to get it. maybe it needs a slightly stronger dose of salt.. 2 tsp for every 5 Gal perhaps..? maintain temp at 78F and above.
leave it for a week or two, partially changing water every 2-3 days and adding salt as per water changed. it should be cleared by the 4th or 5th day but just leave the salt in for 1 week at least to kill free swimming bugs.. heheh! good luck!

1 tsp per 10 gallons is what is recommended, and turn your heat up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that you add an air source when treating this way as salt depletes oxygen in the water.

leave it as such for about 10 days and you will be all clear.

chances are the ick developed due to low temps.

I agree with Nicki - I had an ick outbreak after letting the water temp get too low.

If the temperature drops a lot them you need a heater or if you have a heater then a bigger or another heater

Treat ick by adding meds (remove carbon from filter) or increasing temp to 30c/86f or both