Ick infestation

[Terrence Cline]

What is the best medication to cure ick in a mixed reef? I also have a UV sterilizer I want to install after I clear this up do you think this is a good ideal?

Please provide your thoughts and thanks

Currently using this but not seeing improvement

 

[Redfoxtang]

No medication can be used in a reef to eradicate ich parasite. Would have to pull all fish to a QT tank with copper solution to fully eradicate the parasite along with letting the DT to sit fallow for 72 days.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Ich can only be eradicated from the system by removing all fish from the display and placing them in a hospital tank where copper medication would be administered through the water column for 35 days. In addition, the display aquarium must remain fallow for 76 days minimum before adding the fish back allowing the parasite to complete its life cycle.

Here are some helpful threads to read.

Ich eradication vs. Ich management

Ich eradication vs. Ich management The purpose of this article is to discuss the pros & cons of ich eradication and ich management, and present the best methods for implementing each. Ich eradication - Simply put, this method means doing everything possible to keep ich out of your tank. That...

www.reef2reef.com

Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)

Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) What You Need To Know: * Mild fish parasite which is often managed by using a UV Sterilizer, Ozone, Diatom Filter, Oxydator, herbal remedies, enhanced nutrition, etc. etc. * Can be treated in a quarantine tank using Hyposalinity, Chloroquine, Copper or...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Terrence Cline]

Thanks for your response I have 3 quick questions

1. Should I set up UV sterilizer after I remove the fish and run it empty (just live rock and coral) or turn it on after the 76 days.

2. I have no QT tank but I have a 15 gallon sump I could put fish and some live rock with an air stone. Will this support 4 fish for 76 days? (Med Yellow tang, Kole tang, Flame Angel fish and Clownfish)

3. Last question how long should I dose copper and what kind works best?

 

[AZMSGT]

1. No, UV isn’t needed during a 76 day time.

2. It will keep them alive. You can Never use that sump for a reef system again after this. It’s best to have a dedicated tank to QT and dose copper In. Heck a bucket will work in a pinch. Just remember what ever rock you use can NEVER go back in the main tank. Only use enough rock to seed bacteria over To the QT. Preventing cross contamination is essential.

3. There are tons of threads on how to QT fish. Basically that’s what you’re doing. But to directly answer you go 30 days in Copper if only using 1 tank. Cupramine or copper power do the job.

 

[Terrence Cline]

Great will work on trapping fish tonight and will dedicate all supplies rocks etc for use as QT tank in future. Thank you

 

[35ppt]

If you grab a used 29 or 40 breeder the fish will be less stressed and may do better than in a 15.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

1. Should I set up UV sterilizer after I remove the fish and run it empty (just live rock and coral) or turn it on after the 76 days. I would run the UV during the fallow period personally. It couldn't hurt anything and helps against free swimming parasites and algae control.

2. I have no QT tank but I have a 15 gallon sump I could put fish and some live rock with an air stone. Will this support 4 fish for 76 days? (Med Yellow tang, Kole tang, Flame Angel fish and Clownfish)
Would not recommend it but its better than no QT if it’s your only option. You can always purchase the tank dividers to help reduce aggression during the qt period if thats your only option. I utilized a 29 gallon with 4 dividers to house 4 angels and one tang. No issues!

3. Last question how long should I dose copper and what kind works best? 2 weeks minimum if transferring to sterile tank for observation but 35 days of treatment is the sweet spot if you're utilizing one QT tank. When it comes down to copper works best it really boils down to preference. I only use cupramine and have had great success. Just make sure you purchase a solid test kit like the hanna checker, its digital and super easy to read and reliable vs. the color testing options out there.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

The believe that once you have copper in a tank you cant use it for anything else is not founded in anything other than over caution.

Copper does not leach into silicone. Period. End of story.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

The believe that once you have copper in a tank you cant use it for anything else is not founded in anything other than over caution.

Copper does not leach into silicone. Period. End of story.

I disagree. Even trace elements of copper can affect certain inhabitants. I know first hand when I treated my first ever tank with copper and then transitioned it over to main display. Corals wouldn’t open and shrimp died in the first week. Found out the hard way when I was new to the hobby.

 

[Terrence Cline]

Great will work on trapping fish tonight and will dedicate all supplies rocks etc for use as QT tank in future. Thank you

 

[Terrence Cline]

Okay I put fish in new QT tank/sump and dosed with copper as described. Do I need to run a skimmer or is the pump all that’s required.

Regarding my display tank how do I keep the cycle going if I’m going to run empty 76 days to kill the ick in the tank since just rocks only? No need to turn on lights to create algae blooms?