Velvet outbreak - almost fallow, what to do now?

[Sleepydoc]

So I had a velvet outbreak about 6 weeks ago. I caught all of my fish and moved them to a hospital tank and treated with cupramine.

Except one. I have a stupid fire fish that refuses to be caught. I've tried catching him with a net and with an acrylic box. I've tried making a fish trap with a 2 liter bottle. I have a 'real' fish trap (acrylic box with a sliding lid.) That he refuses to go near. I've tried starving him and luring him with food. Nothing works and he's still in the display tank. I can't remove all the rock, so there's no way to deprive him of a hiding space.

So what do I do now? I've come to the conclusion that he's not coming out alive. I can either starve him to death and then wait 6 weeks to reintroduce the other fish, but I have a diamond goby that's really not liking quarantine and has quit eating, so I'm worried that he will not make it that long.

Or I can put the other fish back and keep my fingers crossed. The fire fish looks perfectly healthy - no signs of disease that I can see. Any suggestions?

 

[Humblefish]

This is a tough call.

I would black molly test your DT before even considering putting all the fish back: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-black-mollies-vs-marine-fish-diseases.312166/

 

[4FordFamily]

Unfortunately, adding your fish to the tank is almost certainly going to lead to their death. With the fish present, the parasite can complete its life cycle.

Why can’t you remove rock and coral? It’s a pain but I’ve removed 180 gal reef tanks 5-6 times drained water and removed all rock to catch my fish. Just curious!

 

[drawman]

Unfortunately, adding your fish to the tank is almost certainly going to lead to their death. With the fish present, the parasite can complete its life cycle.

Why can’t you remove rock and coral? It’s a pain but I’ve removed 180 gal reef tanks 5-6 times drained water and removed all rock to catch my fish. Just curious!

+1. It may seem difficult but it can also give you a chance to reaquascape. It's a pain but far less of a pain then a velvet recurrence IMO.

 

[melypr1985]

I agree with the black molly. If nothing else it will confirm that the parasite is still in the tank and that the goby has to come out. I know taking the rocks and corals out is really hard to do and a lot of work (I've done it twice now) but it's necessary unless you are ultra lucky and get all the fish without it.