Don't be an Ichtard!

[Neptune777]

Did anyone else read this sticky?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=282934


I don't mean to generalize but I see post after post in this forum from folks who don't have a clue about what Ich really is and how to beat it!

Ich is Not:
Bacteria
Virus
Always present
cured with garlic
a Tang disease


Ich is:
A parasite with a well understood life cycle.
Preventable and treatable with proper QT and Hyposalinity



If you did not do a QT and you introduced ich into your display there is only one proper thing to do:

Get a fish trap (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...x=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1), or pull all rock and coral so you can get your fish out of the display and into a QT. This is a pain but you have the responsibilty to take care of these animals in your glass box......because you were lazy or impatient starting out you now have to do the right thing! Read the sticky and you will be ich free.

Also, for a simple and cheap QT go to Walmart and buy one of their boxed aquarium packages (I have the 55gal). They come with a hood, tank, heater, and power filter. I think the 55gal was like $120. They also have a 29gal and a 10gal as well. Petco/Petsmart also sells these I think..... Run the QT a while at regular salinity levels (preferably with water from your display)....so you can season it quickly. Then drop the salinity levels as outlined in the sticky.....just keep tabs on your PH when you drop the salinity.


I have done this with many fish now (including my Achilles Tang) and have had 100% success.....

 

[6stringpenguin]

I've read it numerous times, and that's why I have not had to make too many posts, unless I have specific questions. Billsreef and several other useful members, and mods have made numerous posts that have really helped me and many others. Your own new post is brief, yet it explains so much. QT is a blessing, and hypo really works! It seems like human nature to waste money on snake oils, looking for an easy cure, rather than by adjusting salinity, which costs nothing compared to medications that actually don't work, or even make the fish sicker. Thanks!

 

[Neptune777]

:beer:

 

[6stringpenguin]

...word

 

[luke33]

Yes, there were definately some ick tards there

 

[Teremei]

I've been into reefkeeping for close to 3 years now. have had 2 tanks. I have never QT, but have always picked out good specimins from LFS I trust, had great water chemistry, and stress free envorinments for the fishies. I have had Ich on a fish or two, maybe one or two spots very rarely.

In my opinion. It is an over-reaction to tell people to take all of their fish out and treat them with hyposalinity. Stressing them further by chasing them with a net after taking all of your rocks out. And cramming them all in a smaller tank all at the same time. Just because one of your fish has 1 or 2 spots on it. If you keep your tank healthy, keep a cleaner shrimp or cleaner goby in there as back-up, feed well, and provide adequate space and friendly neighbors for your fish. You will never have a major problem with ich. Ever.

What needs to happen is people getting into the hobby have to seek good advice (not from the LFS) about stock limits, water chemistry, fish compatibility. Too many times a worker will say (sure you can put those 5 tangs in your 75). And then they come here asking for advice. "HELP I've got an ICH outbreak!". I have never once, EVER. Seen a terrible ich outbreak from a friend or acquaintance who was experienced and a responsible reefkeeper. With or without quarantining.

 

[superedge88]

Re: Don't be an Ichtard!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10331741#post10331741 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Neptune777
Did anyone else read this sticky?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=282934


I don't mean to generalize but I see post after post in this forum from folks who don't have a clue about what Ich really is and how to beat it!

Ich is Not:
Bacteria
Virus
Always present
cured with garlic
a Tang disease

...is not called ich


It is called crypt