HT setup and timing for copper treatment

[Reefermandan]

I have read so many threads about ich and its treatment that I think I am ready to try Cupramine. My question has to do with the setup of the hospital tank. I am just worried that once I start this process it might take me a few days to catch all the fish but of course want to start treatment ASAP. So, at this point my 55G HT has a powerehead, heater and matching salinity to DT.

Question:
Do I catch all my fish and place in the HT before I start adding the copper treatment or should the HT already have the cooper at the correct level for treatment before adding fish?

 

[hvacman250]

I would not start copper until ALL the fish are in the HT. And I would add it slower than the Cupramine bottle says. Sometimes I take a week or more to get to the 0.35 ppm recommendation.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I would not start copper until ALL the fish are in the HT. And I would add it slower than the Cupramine bottle says. Sometimes I take a week or more to get to the 0.35 ppm recommendation.

I agree. All fish need the same amount of Cu exposure time I think the bottle instructions take you to .50ppm. IMO & IME, .35 is completely effective. SeaChem tech support agrees too, I believe. If time permits (I assume you're treating ich) its a good idea to make sure fish are eating before reaching max Cu level. If they stop eating, that's a 1st sign that they're not tolerating the Cu and you can back off, then gradually increase. You should also have hiding places, like pieces of PVC and a Cu test kit---I prefer Salifert.