Copperband has Ich - can't catch him

[monty]

Well, i guess its my own fault for not have a QT..but, what can I do? I picked up a copperband yesterday which evidently had just gotten to the LFS the night before and seemed to look fine. I acclimated him very slowly in a bucket, and he seemed to be very shy in the tank, especially when the lights came on. In any event, i noticed he is developing white spots. I tried for a few mintues to net him, but stopped so i wouldnt stress him out further. i know there is not much to do while he is in my display, but maybe SOMEONE has an idea.

 

[monty]

well. here's another thought. I am setting up a QT tank tonight using my old RO storage container. Should be up to adequate temp tomorrow. Now, since i got the fish yesterday, and white spots started appearing this afternoon, am i still safe with catching him tomorrow...it wont be easy, but ill tear the tank apart if need be. Tank has been running for years, and this is the first fish i've added in about two years. water parameters are great, as i have been converting into a reef...this is the first Ich outbreak i've had since i can remember. If, for some reason, tomorrow the white spots are gone, SHOULD I JUST LEAVE HIM IN THE TANK? or is it still best to try and catch him and treat in some way? PLEASE, SOMEONE GIVE ME YOUR TWO CENTS!!

 

[kevin2000]

My 02

Remember that once and ich infested fish is introduced into a show tank ... the show tank is infested with ich.

Taking one fish out of the show tank and treating for ich doesn't accomplish much ... once "cured" your just sticking it back into a tank that now has ich. Chances are high that ich may recur in the show tank.

If you can QT and treat all the fish and leave the ST without fish for 5 weeks you will have an ich free tank. If this isn't possible you might consider leaving the butterfly in the ST and use the "chicken soup" method (good food, low stress, high water quality).

Hope this helps.

 

[monty]

yeah...thanks kevin. He looks a lot better. I left him in there. I think it was just the initial shock that forced the outbreak. Crossing my fingers that he maintains good health. Thanks for the pep talk