Just for future reference: its a good idea to know what treatment options do before doing them.
FW dips do very little, if anything, in most cases. They can provide a little temporary help ( not a cure) with some protozoan parasites and worms (not ich); they cannot completely eliminate any parasite that we commonly deal with. I quit doing them years ago. Prazi-Pro is a must in my QT; and 8+ weeks of QT is absolutely necessary to avoid protozoan parasites; IMO & IME.
You really have a lot of fish to deal with. IMO, your QT is way too small for an adequate QT regimen and I suspect ammonia may already be an issue. An egg crate piece may be needed to keep the Angels from going to war. They will be cramped; but if you can handle the ammonia and territorial problems, they can survive it. IMO, QT time is vital; and sometimes it comes down to what fish "like" and what they"need". A QT should be a very safe and comfortable place, where 'stress' isn't a problem; your fish won't get that benefit. But, if the only alternative,assuming you stick with the 40 gal, is early introduction to your DT---I'd just do the best you can and keep your fingers crossed. (Check Craigslist for a big QT)
A bit rough Mr Tusk Fish :deadhorse:. I am looking for this thread to be positive, and informing. I want it to turn into a thread for acclimation tips of incoming large angel species, and not so typical QT methods that have worked.
So in response I am aware of my treatment options, and I posted because I wanted to see different opinions. As I am sure you know, everyone in this hobby, in the 20 years I have been doing it, has such radically different opinions. So to clarify I did a methylene blue PH adjusted temp F/W dip right after my acclimation. That is kind of what I do with my new arrivals based upon the articles that are out there. Which I am sure you are aware of as well.
So I have used cupramine at .35 for angels specifically for Chaetodontoplus, and I can tell you first hand they really don't like it. I know it works for angels, but I feel that it depends on the individual angel. I really do think this is the case. Also having a pharmaceutical background, Prazipro, is not the end all be all cure as I have first hand dealt with flukes immune to it, and in the medical world they're MANY parasites that develop immunity to praziquentel.
Let me give you my humble opinion of why I like to Freshwater dip. It is a barometer. It tells me if there is something going on, and what the next steps may be. I was wondering if it cured anything, but regardless I would have still done that step as it is more of a test as to what is going on with the fish, and next steps needed for QT. I am curious as to how long people FW dip larger fish as I have read from very reputable sites to go as long as 30 minutes. I will tell you nothing came off in the dips.
As far as the angels go I did separate them with a screen. Not all the way down. The two angels (Regal and majestic) kept going to the same side as the Emperor. I was SHOCKED, but took the screen out as I though there was no need. They had to squeeze in to get there as I left room on the bottom for flow. My goal was to keep the Emperor from going over as I thought the other ones would stay on one side. Also I think my quarters are fine for QTing 21 days not 56 days, unless I see something wrong. So good feedback, and I agree with you as I wouldn't feel comfortable keeping them 56 days in a 40. Quite frankly I am not so comfortable with 40, but I have to make the best with what I have.
Also in response to NH4 it is zero. The NH4 would not raise that quickly in one day with QT fish that have not eaten. NH4 is a concern to your point because it is only 40 gallons, but I am measuring NO2, and NH4 daily while also doing a 15% water change daily. My filtration has been in my sump for over a month so that should help, and the QT water is from my display tank.
Here is what I am looking for. People have had success with the following
Prazipro
Cupramine (mixed)
quinine sulfate
Any other medications?
Does cupramine/Prazipro get the majority of offenders out there? I just don't think it is necessary to treat without reason. To be frank I am not treating for crypto as it is in already in my display tank (I have to assume from imporper quarantine of inverts years ago.) I am more concerned about flukes. I know formalin treats flukes, but it is also very tetrogenic compound? Are there any other safe treatments.....(please don't tell me Potassium Permanganate)
I have never really had an issue with crypt. Knock on wood I have been very lucky. For the most part I have been pretty fortunate. I have to assume though that I have some pathogens. I kind of go under the assumption that I have crypto as it is so common. Great point too about my DT water potentially adding potential new pathogens to the fish, but there going to have to develop some immunity to it as that is their final destination (hopefully).
