Ich treatments
Trevor, you’re right, heat and salt don’t mix well with plants at all. Loaches themselves don’t always respond well to salt either…
Loaches often get ich when purchased, although it is a parasite, I prefer to blame stress for having allowed the parasite to effect an otherwise healthy fish. In the past I’ve learned to monitor ich on new arrivals and judge if any treatment at all is required. I have found that the majority of the time ich on new fish can be faught off by the fish itself if the new environment is healthy and free of further stress to the fish. It is only when I see a fish getting worse that I consider taking any action. Due to having planted tanks myself and the fact that cories and loaches don’t particularly like salt, I have used Quick Cure with great results.
Keep in mind that those plants may also be playing a role in your tank’s stability and water quality. Doing anything to harm them may end up effecting the fish as well…
Here’s a link that provides some treatment options specifically for loaches: http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=2599
Hope that helps Giancarlo Podio, LMD
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
