How to prevent and Treat ICH

[esato]

I have a 50 gallon FOWLR tank and want to know what the best way to prevent and treat ich. I have 2 clowns, 1 Blue Tang, 1 Cardinal and a goby. I think my blue tang is coming down with ich, I see a few bumps on his body, they aren't really white as of yet, but I just want to be prepared for the worst.

 

[Steven Pro]

The strict use of quarantine is the best way to prevent disease,
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/sp/feature/index.php

Copper, hyposalinity, and tank transfer are the only methods proven to rid fish of marine ich.

 

[cecilturtle]

Agree with Steven but I believe even after quarantine, the tank can become infected. I have noticed this on the introduced fish that became stressed when attacked. His fins were torn the first few days and within 2 weeks he developed some Ick cysts. He kept constantly feeding, and aside from the first day or two of aggression, he settled in just fine. I believe the cyst does not spread if the other fish are healthy. I overfed with loaded food for a week or so to stave off any spread and help heal the injured fish just in case. I also think had I not quarantined the fish in the first place he would have been introduced in a much weaker state.

One thing that I have found with BB SPS tanks that have high flow, is that there is much less available real estate for a safe haven. Just my .02