Ich, Ick or White Spot (Ichthyophthirius)

All of my fish are infected with Ich & i plan on picking up the medicine tommorrow at the pet store. For now i put them in a salt bath but they don't seem to be doing too well.

Is ich only limited to fish? I have a hamster whos cage is right next to the fish tank... is it transmitable to him?

First, ich is strictly a fish parasite and is no threat to you or your hamster.

I would suggest taking your fish out of the salt bath asap. Depending on how strongly you mixed the salt, it can kill them fairly quickly.

A good level of salt for a short dip is 3%, or 3 tablespoons per gallon.

To treat the tank for ich using salt and heat

Change a large portion of the water, about 50-60% while cleaning the gravel very well.

Clean the filter and change all the media.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of the tank.

Raise the temperature to 88-90 F. Raise it slowly, about 1 degree per hour. You may need to add an air stone or two depending on the type of fish and how heavily the tank is stocked. Treat for at least 7 days after you see the last white spots on any of the fish. After the treatment return the tank temperature to normal.

or use your preferred ich medication, but I suggest a medication based on Malachite Green, those often work best. Despite any claims tot he contrary on the label, use ich medication for at least 7 days after you see the last white spot on any fish. Due to the life cycle of the ich, that is required to be sure you have removed it from the tank.