First run in with Ich

[genper1128]

Today is the first day that I've ever had to deal with Ich. My betta and clown pleco were swimming perfectly fine yesterday. This morning, my clown pleco was completely covered in spots while my betta only has spots on her fins as far as I can tell. I immediately ran out and bought some Imagitarium Parasite Remedy, and did a 30% water change making sure to focus the vacuum in the sand for cysts. The tank was cycled with live plants for a week before adding the betta. My concerns are whether I am doing enough, and what should I do after their both "cured". I've read Ich can make a reappearance so I want to know what to do in terms of sanitizing after the outbreak. 

My current treatment (will be doing for 2 weeks) is going to be a 20% water change every day, vacuuming the substrate for any loose ich cysts, and adding the dosage recommended by Imagitarium. 

My current set up consists of a 5.5 gallon glass aquarium with a lid, a 10 watt lamp, a heater keeping the water at 82, and a Forza 5-15 filter with Bio Rings, ammonia remover, coarse sponge on both ends. . I tested my water for nitrates, nitrites, and free ammonia and they were all within ideal, safe levels. I do 30% water changes every week as well as vacuum the sand, and add water conditioner and Seachem Prime after the water changes. Was this preventable? Did I do anything wrong? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I really want my pets to pull through. 

Edited October 1, 2020 by genper1128
Edited for clarity

[Patrick M. Bodega Aquatics]

Hello! The best solution I have found for battling ich is it use API aquarium salt. If you haven't heard of it before, don't worry, when you hear "salt" you probably think that it is for saltwater. But no, it is made for freshwater aquariums. I always get it at Petco / Petsmart. Just follow the directions for tbs/gallon and very soon your fish will be much better! Hope this helps!😁

[Paul]

If your heater is adjustable push the temp up to 85/86F for a few days. Ich doesn’t deal with high water temps very well. Do this with whatever treatment you plan on using. Good luck.

[Brian Scott]

1 minute ago, Paul said:

If your heater is adjustable push the temp up to 85/86F for a few days. Ich doesn’t deal with high water temps very well. Do this with whatever treatment you plan on using. Good luck.

+1 to what Paul posted!

If I may just add a few cents, though.  Consider increasing your aeration, too.  While bettas, being labyrinth fish, don't need the increased air your pleco certainly will.  This may cause a slight frothing or foaming at the water's surface---especially around the glass. It's normal while medicating.   Also, like Patrick stated, use salt.  Salt helps the fish in several ways.  I think Cory did a great video on the benefits of salt, but also have a look at the Fish Vet videos. Dr. Loh I think is his name.  He explains the primary benefit that salt offers to freshwater fishes perfectly IMHO.

Good luck!

[genper1128]

19 hours ago, Paul said:

Do this with whatever treatment you plan on using.

Thank you for the tips everyone, it's greatly appreciated.  This morning it appears the Pleco has succumbed to the Ich sadly, but the betta is still alive (barely) and still has no appetite. I purchased some API Aquarium Salt, mixed a well rounded tablespoon (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons, 1/4 tea spoon per litre) with an 8 oz glass of drinking water and slowly dripped it into the 5 gallon tank.  I ordered a new adjustable thermometer, as my current one keeps it at 76-82 only.  I'm hoping the salt is effective, will keep updating when possible. 🙂

[Ben Ellison]

I use ich x and salt with the temp around 85. 

[genper1128]

Update on the Ich problem, the Pleco passed away and the betta passed away shortly after, they were both absolutely covered in Ich, so i'm glad that atleast their suffering is over. Thank you to everyone who gave me advice, it'll definitely help when i'm ready to try keeping a tank again :)