Hypo salinity treatment

[KendallC]

My 55 gallon marine fish tank has been infected with ich. I have a Yellow Tang that is the only fish in the tank. I plan to take him into a quarintine tank(10 gal) and treat him with hypo salinity(lowering the salinity to 1.010) but before I do, I just wanted to make sure it is safe and the fish will not die . And i also heard that Ich can not survive if there is no fish to host it, is this true? And when my Tang gets cured of ich how long should I leave my Main tank fishless?

 

[reeferman1128]

I would look into tank transfer.

 

[MrTuskfish]

A 10 gal tank is very small to use as a HT/QT for a yellow tang, unless its a very small juvi. (A 55 is too small for an adult too, IMO) Hypo isn't easy, SG should always be between 1.008-1.009. This requires a perfectly calibrated hydrometer and constant attention to water level. Ammonia will be a problem also; unless you have a seeded sponge ready. There is no way to guarantee that "it is safe and the fish will not die". However, if the fish isn't treated, your tank will never be safe for any fish. Ich will die off if your tank is left fishless for 10-12 weeks. I'd look into tank transfer to treat this fish, you can even use brute plastic containers if you need to. There is a sticky at the top of the disease forum describing TT. After this is over, I'd use a QT on all new fish, or it will happen again.