frICH'n ICH!!

[TheAquatect]

So early last week I had an ICH outbreak in my 150g (tall) DT so now I am going 12 weeks of hypo for the fish in a 75g and a fallow DT for just as long. I have the normal cerith, astrea and trochus snails plus 4 RBTA's 2 skunk and 1 CB shrimp, a blue linkia and serpent star and various corals who will be staying in the DT.

Now I am thinking there must be a positive side to this so I propose a challenge... How about some ideas on what would/could you do if you had all your fish out of the DT for 12 weeks?? Trying to make this ich issue an opportunity and would love some ideas!!

My first thought is sand removal because I'm thinking of going bare bottom and also the obligatory rockscape redo.

 

[aguila88psi]

Reaquascape for sure, something else you can do is change your fish livestock, maybe there was a fish you wanted to get but always feared your yellow tang would kill it

 

[TampaSnooker]

+1. Take your time to get a good foundation, shape and plan for future growth.

 

[listen2bob]

as has been mentioned use it as an opportunity to fine tune your layout. Sometimes I wish I had the chance the reset a few things.

 

[TheAquatect]

Thanks for the feedback! I am certain I am going to re-do the rock and am about 90% sure i will go BB as well. I am going try and come up with a plan that is a bit more minimalist but gives me better use of the 30" height I have for coral placement and hiding of powerheads.

I am also wondering if this is a good time to swap out the tank for a new one. I bought a used one as my first attempt and would love to get a new one with a nice scratch free front. Nobody really notices the scratches but me of course so I might be going over board but I thought it would be easier to build out a new tank than retro the existing one.

No chance for upgrade to a larger tank though, it's in wall and the only wife-approved spot.

 

[installman]

Wow ich outbreaks in reef tanks can get expensive quick. I remember dealing with ich in freshwater tanks and it was like $3 for some malachite green and that was it.
Seriously though If you are planning on replacing the tank anyway now is probably a good time to do it.

 

[TheAquatect]

Wow ich outbreaks in reef tanks can get expensive quick.

HA! True, but I think I'm making it more expensive than it needs to be.

I did need a 75G to consolidate my 2 FW tanks, so other than the tank purchase, if I left everything alone, it'll probably cost me $50 in salt for the water changes in the hypo tank and my time and frustration to catch the fish.

I think if I did not have all the extra pumps and such, it would be a bit more for sure!! I'm starting to re-think the new tank though but we will see how the wife reacts to my logic. There is no way in hell she will believe this will only cost $20 which is my standard story.

 

[installman]

There is no way in hell she will believe this will only cost $20 which is my standard story.

Yeah, i usually try to sneak new stuff in and hope she doesn't notice it, but trying to sneak a 150 in may be tough. She would have to be really distracted to pull that off.

 

[ChadRaay86]

HA! True, but I think I'm making it more expensive than it needs to be.

I did need a 75G to consolidate my 2 FW tanks, so other than the tank purchase, if I left everything alone, it'll probably cost me $50 in salt for the water changes in the hypo tank and my time and frustration to catch the fish.

I think if I did not have all the extra pumps and such, it would be a bit more for sure!! I'm starting to re-think the new tank though but we will see how the wife reacts to my logic. There is no way in hell she will believe this will only cost $20 which is my standard story.

You have to improve your skills or she already knows too much

 

[TheAquatect]

Well, I went fishing this weekend and Round 1 goes to the fishes. Out of 10 fish, I got 3 but I had to drain my tank and remove most of the rock work and corals to get them, so it was a long night. I also learned a few things too.

1. Xenia and Anemones can stay out of water for a VERY long time. Almost 5 hours without water at the top of the tank!! (these guys are in tough places on my rock wall so relo was not an option)
2. Rock walls make great hiding for the fish, even with almost no water left.

So my next step is a fish trap for whats left. 2 tangs, 4 Anthia and a royal gramma.

On the bright side, I got a really good start on the re-do of the aquascape!!! lol

 

[installman]

Well, I went fishing this weekend and Round 1 goes to the fishes. Out of 10 fish, I got 3 but I had to drain my tank and remove most of the rock work and corals to get them, so it was a long night. I also learned a few things too.

1. Xenia and Anemones can stay out of water for a VERY long time. Almost 5 hours without water at the top of the tank!! (these guys are in tough places on my rock wall so relo was not an option)
2. Rock walls make great hiding for the fish, even with almost no water left.

So my next step is a fish trap for whats left. 2 tangs, 4 Anthia and a royal gramma.

On the bright side, I got a really good start on the re-do of the aquascape!!! lol

That is how I caught my japanese swallowtail. Was actually kind of fun.