Hyposalinity or Copper

[CodeBlueMedic]

Hey Folks,

I've read thread after thread about this and I'm having a tough time deciding what would be the best route to go. I originally decided to go the copper route, but my cardinals that are in QT right now really don't seem to be taking it too well. They stopped eating about 2 days ago and have pretty much stayed in the PVC for the last 24 hours. They have been in cupramine for the past 3 days. From what I have read, it seems that hypo is a little less stressful on them, so would it be worth doing a couple water changes and running some carbon to get rid of the copper, then switching over to hypo?

 

[gone fishin]

Hypo is extremely difficult to execute. The salinity must be maintained exactly if not then you must start over. Also there is some evidence that some ich strains are becoming resistant to hypo.

I personally go with the TTM now. IMHO it is the easiest way to go. You can read upon it in the fish disease forum.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Have you ever experienced any problems with the tank transfer method? Also I went looking for a sticky on how to properly perform it, however I was unable to find it. Do you know where may be?

 

[thegrun]

For the transfer method place your fish in a tank with fresh saltwater, on the morning of each 3rd day catch and move the fish to a new tank with fresh water. Try not to disturb the bottom of the tank as that is where the ich protomont should be. The old tank must be sterilized with bleach before reusing. Make a total of 4 transfers. It is important that the transfer in made in the morning before the lights go on (or the sun shines on the tank).

 

[tmz]

I prefer tank transfer. Hypo doesn't always work. Drying out the tank and equipment before reuse will kill any parasites. This thread of mine may be of interest:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2185929&highlight=fish+acclimation+and+quarantine

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

hmmm if I can work that out with my work schedule, that may be the thing to do...For small fish, I could potentially just use 5 gallon buckets, right?

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Holy crap....I didn't know that you can't have a prime treated tank running with cupramine! No wonder my fish have been acting like crap....I just did a 60% water change and they are WAY more perky now..

 

[tmz]

Right. The Prime messes with the chealation and timed copper release.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

I went ahead and re-dosed with copper since I pulled so much...My level was about .5 before the water change, I'll test after it has time to mix