Begining ICH stages

[NYFrank]

I have 2 blue damsels in a reef of 150gal. Today I noticed some a white spots on only them. They have been in there for 5 months now. None of the other fish appear to have any problems with this. However 2 of the yellow tangs have holes and redness on their fins (likely from poor diet from only eating meaty foods). I also have 2 cleaner shrimps and 2 fire shrimps which seem to be very lazy and not doing their job. The other fish do go to them from time to time but the damsels never do. I am begining to feed them food soaked in garlic. Do I use chopped garlic or garlic powder and how long of a soak?

All water parms are good with a 30 gal W/C once a week. I did raise the temp to 81 but have corals in as well so copper is out.

Any other suggestions- I cant get the fish out, so please hold your thoughts on that. Thanks

 

[kevin2000]

If QT is out of the question then the "chicken soup" approach is probably your best bet ... just maintain water quality, keep stress low, feed the fish a variety of nutritional/healthy foods. To my knowledge there is no "reef safe" medication that works on a consistent basis.

Sounds like your tangs have a bacterial issue which often can be cleared up with improved water quality .. if you don't see improvement in a couple weeks then QTing and use of an antibiotic may be in order.

Good luck.

 

[NYFrank]

What should I be looking for in the way of water quality out of the ordinary? From what I have read on here things are where they should be and water changes are not neglected. The only thing that sways is a 2-3 degree temp from night and day (dew to the MH) and the salt levels will flux between 1.027 and 1.025. Which I have tried to be more on top of.

 

[kevin2000]

When "water quality" comes up in the context of fin rot/bacterial problems ... it usually means increased frequency/quantity of water changes.

 

[NYFrank]

Ok Thanks I will do more frequent smaller changes and see if that helps out. Maybe 10 gal a day? Thanks Kevin 2000

 

[Triggerfish]

do you quarantine?
if not, how long has it been since you have added the last inhabitant?

 

[NYFrank]

I am guility of not quarantineing. I simply dont have the room or outlets for another tank- whatever size. I added new fish 2 weeks ago. So the time frame would be that the new fish had the critters on them.

 

[Triggerfish]

just was wondering how soon after any new additions you noticed the outbreak.

i think at this early point, you may want to just wait and see what may transpire in regards to parasite population breakout.

i wouldn't do anything drastic right now. keep in mind, if it is ich and depending on the strain,,it may remain in the system for quite a long time.

just see what happens,,but i probably wouldn't add any new fish until you have a better idea.

 

[NYFrank]

I am feeding them their food soaked in garlic- maybe it will help- some say, we'll see. Other then that I have not done anything different. I have seen the cleaner/fire shrimp very busy since last nite. The fish almost line up and take turns at who gets cleaned next. Hopefully this will keep anything from realy getting too bad. It is rather interesting to watch. Thanks for your input.