Pictus Catfish with Ich

[ShanerBock888]

I got 4 pictus cats about a month ago, and today I noticed a couple of them flashing occasionally. Upon closer inspection I found just two ich spots on one of them, but none on the other. So as of right now, it's not too bad. Because this is the first time I've kept pictus, I did some research and it made it worse!

Everywhere I look there is conflicting information. The one common thread is that everyone seems to agree that they're sensitive. Some people swear that Quick Cure will be fine if you half the dose. Other scream that even salt is too much for them and you can only raise the temperature. After an hour of reading I am even further from deciding on a course of action than when I started.

So MFK, help! how should I treat the cats. They share a tank with two small iridescent sharks and 7 redtail tinfoil bars. After watching for a while I see no spots on any of these guys, but I did see one of the barbs flash once. I've already been raising the temperature gradually and plan on getting it up to 84. Please advise! Salt or no salt? Quick Cure?

 

[kno4te]

Up the temp slowly to 89 degrees. This is the optimal temp for ich. Keep it here for several weeks.

I've added salt to a tank with pictus prior and never had issues. They are still a scaleless catfish so meds can be a problem and salt. But I think the salt should be alright. If the pictus start acting funny then do a quick water change.

 

[ShanerBock888]

Up the temp slowly to 89 degrees. This is the optimal temp for ich. Keep it here for several weeks.

I've added salt to a tank with pictus prior and never had issues. They are still a scaleless catfish so meds can be a problem and salt. But I think the salt should be alright. If the pictus start acting funny then do a quick water change.

Ok thanks a lot. How much salt did you use? In other situations I've used 1tbsp per 5 gal, but would you put in less?

 

[kno4te]

1 tsp per 5g should be fine.

 

[catfishacr]

Yeah your pictus will be fine with the salt. If you get to a point were you do indeed need to use meds. I recommend seachem paragard at half dose. Ive used that with my pictus and no issues. Heat and Salt should work though!

 

[ShanerBock888]

Yeah your pictus will be fine with the salt. If you get to a point were you do indeed need to use meds. I recommend seachem paragard at half dose. Ive used that with my pictus and no issues. Heat and Salt should work though!

Awesome, thanks a lot! With all of my fish I avoid medication at all costs, especially the scaleless, but definitely good to know just in case. I currently have the temp at about 89 and added salt. I caught it early so hopefully this nips it in the bud!