I noticed my goldfish has come down with ick parasites again. He had them a few weeks back; I treated the tank and thought they were gone. <_<

I've added 18 drops of Quick Cure to his 20 gallon tank (I know that it's a little risky but he's always tolerated quick cure very well), and also 4 tablespoons of salt. I plan on changing some water tomorrow (replacing the salt), adding another dose of Quick Cure, and if he is cured by the following day, doing a big water change and keeping the same dose of salt in there for a few weeks. It seems like the ick parasites can't get to him while there's salt in the water, and I imagine eventually they'll all die. I hope it works; I hate those $@!# icks! I think they came in on plants I brought in and didn't bleach or quarantine. :unsure: I think from now on I'll try growing my own anacharis and java ferns.

This is a little off topic but it seems to me that I hear more complaints about ICK in aquariums than in ponds. I guess this question is directed to Robyn. If that is true. Why?

Fm3

Ick is much more common in aquariums than ponds. I tried searching the internet for why and only kept coming up with answers to ick questions that I answered! I should have a good answer but I'm exhausted and short on time so I give up!

The life cycle of ick is such that it is more natural in ponds. It has to be introduced to aquariums but many ponds may have it at low levels such that the fish never become severely ill. There may also be other organisms in a pond situation that affect the ick, perhaps killing it or competing with it in some way. I'm totally guessing.

Went to change the water and noticed some red sores on my fish's body and fin. :unsure: I've seen this before too. I added some melafix and I'm going to try feeding medicated food; I hope it clears up like it did last time.

I also am completely guessing, but maybe the warmer temps of aquariums help the ich grow? Cooler ponds might not be a suitable environment for it to grow as bad.