Polyp extension with ich

[JDP]

Before understanding the life cycle of ich, I have acquired all signs of such. What I have also noticed is a retraction in my Duncan as, I think, the ich has increased, with weekly 20 gal water changes in a 180gal total system. Putting aside all the many variable unmentioned here, could ich be irritating enough to prevent extention? Thanks!

 

[mcarroll]

Never heard of such a thing - I'd like to hear how the situation develops!

-Matt

 

[JDP]

Will do. Starting QT build today.

 

[mcarroll]

I might suggest that the stress that allowed the fish to become susceptible might also be stressing the coral. Seems more logical and likely, but doesn't offer any help in and of itself really. Anything you can think of?

-Matt

 

[JDP]

I agree Matt. Something is in the water? I just don't know enough yet to find it! I switched to a Salifert nitrate test kit witch shows 10 ppm from 2 with my Red Sea?!? The Red Sea shows .08 of phosphate, but I I don't trust that now. I will try the Salifert for that as well.

Not all fish ( clown, goby, blinnie, cardinal) are showing signs, just Chromis and Anthias. The system is almost Four months old. I have 120lbs of Fiji, Pukani, and Oolite live rock from KPA in the Keys, 10lbs Miracle mud, 15gal volume of foam sponge, substrate is a mix of small sea shells, 20lbs Fiji pink, and 40lbs of Caribsea black(some have said the black is not good for inverts,but WWC was fine with it), to give me an inch in some places (24" x 48" foot print). Flow and lighting on the low end, 4 x 65 watt PC lighting 6" off the waters surface.

I have not run a skimmer at this point to build up the nutrients, but with the Salifert reading I will start.