fresh start

[sjkarrow87]

I didn't notice it until late last night that my clowns had white dots all over them... ich

By the time I woke up they were already dead. At this point since it is an established reef restarting the tank isn't an option. Based off initial readings I know ich remains in the water column for a while, correct? I also saw the system should remain fishless for minimum of 9 weeks to help remove the issue...?

Please let me know the best strategy to start fresh and removing corals/rock not an option.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[MrTuskfish]

Based on the quick deaths; I'd guess that this is either velvet or brooklynella, not ich. Velvet and brooklynella are even deadlier and much faster killers than ich. Stages of all these parasites are in the system. You should be safe leaving the tank fishless for 9+ weeks, that will take care of any of the three. Corals and inverts can remain; the parasites will die off without a fish host. I would sure get and use a QT with all new fish, or you'll likely face the problem again.