HELP...ich in my tank

Discussion in 'Fish Diseases' started by HayNZ, Feb 11, 2015.

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  1. HayNZ

    HayNZ Astrea Snail

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    Hi, I'm pretty new to reefing and fortunately have not had to deal with ich before HOWEVER my time had come, my yellow tang has white spots and I really need some guidance on what to do?

    I don't have a quarantine tank available and I'm a but stressed out as I don't know how to take this issue.

    Please help me.
     
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Feed the fish more than you normally would do, try to add Selcon if you can.

    Check your water quality to make sure the chemistry is in check. Make sure no other fish is stressing the tang.

    Normal I do not suggest remedies you add directly to a tank. The product below though apparently seems to be effective because of the Formalin.

    http://www.hikariusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/PDS-Aquarium-Solutions-ICH-X-SW.pdf

    Before adding any product directly to a tank containing inverts/corals you need to research the topic and product thoroughly and assume the risk is not too great for your particular tank and inhabitants. Research research research and follow product directions.
     
  4. HayNZ

    HayNZ Astrea Snail

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    Thanks very much for that. I plan to do a whole lot of research today.
    I did read somewhere that giving the fish crushed garlic with thier food can help, is that true?
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    I am not on team garlic, there is a whole huge debate on the topic. Garlic may initiate an improved appetite, but the benefits are not as pronounced as distributors of the product would have you think, and there is some research that suggest garlic in larger dose or given over a longer period of time might be harmful.
     
  6. HayNZ

    HayNZ Astrea Snail

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    Just an update, I have managed to find myself a 150 Litre tank which I can hopefully pick up this evening which means I will be able to quarantine my fish.
    I'm guessing this will make things a bit easier to manage....
     
  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    good news! how is the fish acting? is it eating? swimming vs. hiding? how significant are the spots (a few or covering the fish)? I might suggest that you feed well and as Corailline suggested, perhaps add in some selcon to encourage a feeding response. Garlic can help entice the fish to eat but I agree with the cautions that Corailline stated.

    If the fish is acting ok and eating, and not being bullied by anybody, I might not aggressively treat (meaning not removing from tank into another because this can be stressful as well at this point) You will have to realize though if you opt for that method, that you will continue to have ich in your tank - the only way to completing eradicate it is to remove all fish to another tank and let your main tank go fishless for 8-12 weeks.
     
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  9. HayNZ

    HayNZ Astrea Snail

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    The fish seems to be acting its usually self and I have not noticed any changes in his eating habbits at all. The white spots are not obvious at first glance, I did have to look pretty closely to see them so I would probably say there are only a few on him at the moment.
    I have had someone tell me that the only way to get it out of the tank is to remove everyone for about 3 months........what are the issues I may face if I do leave them in there. If the fish gets rid of the white spots will he potentially get them again and if so how could I avoid that happening?
    And if I do leave all the fish in there at what point would I consider taking them out and quarantining them?

    So many questions sorry, I'm just worried about the all the helpless fish!
     
  10. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Unless you remove all the fish qting the sick fish will do no good and actually will cause more harm ime. I would just do what Cheryl suggested.
    In the future keep in mind these fish(tangs) are Ich prone and do best in larger systems.They are also schooling fish.Keeping them singly makes acclimation take longer.
     
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  11. scajeo

    scajeo Sea Dragon

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    +1 to Coralline, OFK and Vinny

    a great read http://www.chucksaddiction.com/ich.html
    I'm not comfortable with the hypo-salinity idea, I believe it stresses the fish even more.

    I have found Coral Vital to really help. My LFS uses it at the first sign of ich and he swears by it he even said it combats all stages of Ich. I used it with great results, I thought I was going to lose my hippo and he has since made a full recovery.
    http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewi...ntent=MV1113&gclid=CMuJ1MLo2sMCFQVgfgodnWIA5Q
     
  12. Ballgame

    Ballgame Millepora

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    You really need a QT to do this right.

    Here is the ich life cycle. And only way to stop it is to break the cycle
    White spots will show for 3-5 days. Then it falls off the fish and onto sand bed. On sand bed it reproduces and gets back into the water looking for a host. This happens over 3-5 weeks. You have to remove the host so it does off.
    In QT you can treat with cupramine while tank fallows for 4-6 weeks at least. Especially if you have a reef tank. All the meds that kill ich arent reef safe.
    It suck I know. I've had ich and lost everything. I didn't QT until I had ich. Now I QT everything. For me having a QT is just part of the deal. For me I took my WT down and out away because I'm not adding fish. If I do I'll set up. Also if you aren't QT you're gambling with whatever the fish has on it.
    I know you said you can't QT but if you lose your fish you should consider it.
    Good luck. I hate ich.