"ICH FREE TANK" Quest Begins
- Thread starter Triggerfish
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Triggerfish
Active member
it would take years for a case of HLLE to actually kill a fish if it ever would happen. most, if not all, fish can live out there natural lifespan with the disease.
Triggerfish
Active member
<font color=ff0000><font size=4>UPDATE </font></font>
Quarantine Period = Round 2: Week 8
9/11 - 2 fish have been placed back to main system - fallow for 8 weeks.
Gramma - acclimated back very nicely
LMB - back to scraping rocks like crazy
Both fish received a 30m formalin bath followed by a 2m FW dip upon re-entry.
QT#1:55g
Angel
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks (ich survived) dosage issue?
Treatment 2: Copper (Cupramine)- 3 weeks: 2 days remaining
3 weeks remaining - developed lymph spot on tail
<hr>
QT#2:10g
2 False percs
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks
Treatment 2: 3 Formalin baths on Male to treat for Brook. 1 bath remaining.
1 week remaining
<hr>
QT#3:5g
Niger trigger
Treatment 1: Copper-3weeks
Treatment 2: hypo @ 1.008 4 weeks
still has a spot on him..since the same spot has been there for 3+weeks it must be something else besides ich??
4 weeks remaining
Quarantine Period = Round 2: Week 8
9/11 - 2 fish have been placed back to main system - fallow for 8 weeks.
Gramma - acclimated back very nicely
LMB - back to scraping rocks like crazy
Both fish received a 30m formalin bath followed by a 2m FW dip upon re-entry.
QT#1:55g
Angel
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks (ich survived) dosage issue?
Treatment 2: Copper (Cupramine)- 3 weeks: 2 days remaining
3 weeks remaining - developed lymph spot on tail
<hr>
QT#2:10g
2 False percs
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks
Treatment 2: 3 Formalin baths on Male to treat for Brook. 1 bath remaining.
1 week remaining
<hr>
QT#3:5g
Niger trigger
Treatment 1: Copper-3weeks
Treatment 2: hypo @ 1.008 4 weeks
still has a spot on him..since the same spot has been there for 3+weeks it must be something else besides ich??
4 weeks remaining
Hang in there everyone!!!
If you get through this, there is hope. My hippos, Yellow Tang and chromis are still all 100% disease and ich free and it has been 5 months now since they went back into the tank!
If you recall, I did almost nothing right. I lost my other Hippo in Hypo when the cycle broke. I panicked and brought the Yellow out of Hypo after 3 weeks because of it (slowly). Almost lost her anyway when she quickly developed bacterial infection. Did nothing in the way of treatment afterward - but brought the water quality up to perfection, added a UV, made sure I had a really strong cycle and plenty of media... then watched the fish for 8 weeks before introducing to the main tank (including the new hippos). I know I got lucky that the Yellow ended up ich free without staying in the hypo long enough (UV and water changes probably helped too).
So... I'm still unsure about all of the ich treatments (hypo may be just as hard on the fish as cupramine... still waiting to see someone with alot of good bacteria/media built up that will try it and come out of it with no side effects to the fish). However, just realize that if you get through it and quarantine EVERYTHING afterwards (frags and snails included), I believe you can have ich free tanks once your fish are ich free!!!
PS I will continue to QT for 8 weeks with the UV and water changes - without any treatment UNLESS signs of a disease or parasite show up. Treatment should be used when needed - but all seem to be really hard on the fish!
If you get through this, there is hope. My hippos, Yellow Tang and chromis are still all 100% disease and ich free and it has been 5 months now since they went back into the tank!
If you recall, I did almost nothing right. I lost my other Hippo in Hypo when the cycle broke. I panicked and brought the Yellow out of Hypo after 3 weeks because of it (slowly). Almost lost her anyway when she quickly developed bacterial infection. Did nothing in the way of treatment afterward - but brought the water quality up to perfection, added a UV, made sure I had a really strong cycle and plenty of media... then watched the fish for 8 weeks before introducing to the main tank (including the new hippos). I know I got lucky that the Yellow ended up ich free without staying in the hypo long enough (UV and water changes probably helped too).
So... I'm still unsure about all of the ich treatments (hypo may be just as hard on the fish as cupramine... still waiting to see someone with alot of good bacteria/media built up that will try it and come out of it with no side effects to the fish). However, just realize that if you get through it and quarantine EVERYTHING afterwards (frags and snails included), I believe you can have ich free tanks once your fish are ich free!!!
PS I will continue to QT for 8 weeks with the UV and water changes - without any treatment UNLESS signs of a disease or parasite show up. Treatment should be used when needed - but all seem to be really hard on the fish!
AquAsylum
New member
Okay, need advice. I know in a normal hypo treatment, after salinity is increased, you should watch the fish for another 4+ weeks to make sure the ich doesn't return.
Given that my hippo tang still looks crappy, I am considering transferring all fish, including hippo, to display this weekend, after only 2 weeks observation. WAIT! Don't respond yet- here's why:
I still cannot identify the hippo's condition as being any particular bacterial or parasitic disease. Therefore, my best guess is that it IS HLLE. I am making this diagnosis becase (a) the yellow tang has the trademark head to tail line, (b) none of the other fish show any bad symptoms which would indicate it is a parasite, and (c) it just doesn't look like anything else.
Assuming it is HLLE, the fish needs to come out of the QT. The water conditions in QT are miserable compared to the display, which is pristine. I could do a restart of the QT, but that would still involve the stress of the fish being removed from the tank and they would have to sit in a bucket while I gave the tank a thorough cleaning, which is at least a full day's work.
What is wrong with the QT water? Well, ammonia hovers at .25, or grey-green on my seachem alert badge. After my maracyn treatment, the water remains cloudy yellow, which can't be good for them. The whole thing just really needs to be cleaned.
I'm still hesitant because of the risk that the ich may not have surfaced yet if it is still there. However, I religiously adhered to hypo, tested sg multiple time a day with a refractometer, and I am optimistic that I have successfully rid my fish of ich. This isn't at all about wanting them back in the display for my own enjoyment- it has been 10 weeks, I could wait a couple more. I just think it might be best for the fish...
Given that my hippo tang still looks crappy, I am considering transferring all fish, including hippo, to display this weekend, after only 2 weeks observation. WAIT! Don't respond yet- here's why:
I still cannot identify the hippo's condition as being any particular bacterial or parasitic disease. Therefore, my best guess is that it IS HLLE. I am making this diagnosis becase (a) the yellow tang has the trademark head to tail line, (b) none of the other fish show any bad symptoms which would indicate it is a parasite, and (c) it just doesn't look like anything else.
Assuming it is HLLE, the fish needs to come out of the QT. The water conditions in QT are miserable compared to the display, which is pristine. I could do a restart of the QT, but that would still involve the stress of the fish being removed from the tank and they would have to sit in a bucket while I gave the tank a thorough cleaning, which is at least a full day's work.
What is wrong with the QT water? Well, ammonia hovers at .25, or grey-green on my seachem alert badge. After my maracyn treatment, the water remains cloudy yellow, which can't be good for them. The whole thing just really needs to be cleaned.
I'm still hesitant because of the risk that the ich may not have surfaced yet if it is still there. However, I religiously adhered to hypo, tested sg multiple time a day with a refractometer, and I am optimistic that I have successfully rid my fish of ich. This isn't at all about wanting them back in the display for my own enjoyment- it has been 10 weeks, I could wait a couple more. I just think it might be best for the fish...
There is a risk of ich - but if it were me, I would put them into the display (acclimate them by changing out the QT water with the display water first). It sounds like they were probably cured of the ich, but need out of that bad water (sorry that you had to learn many of the same lessons I did on QT cycling)!
Also, (I think you said you were already doing this) - soak their food in extra vitamins and give them plenty of GOOD sea veggies and meaty food (mine get a mix of squid - cheap at walmart, fresh shrimp, cod, vitamins, garlic and sea veggies daily - a little yucky to mix, so I dedicated a blender to it, but worth it for their health).
Also, (I think you said you were already doing this) - soak their food in extra vitamins and give them plenty of GOOD sea veggies and meaty food (mine get a mix of squid - cheap at walmart, fresh shrimp, cod, vitamins, garlic and sea veggies daily - a little yucky to mix, so I dedicated a blender to it, but worth it for their health).
AquAsylum
New member
Thanks, plaz. I was thinking that another big benefit to the tangs of being in the display will be that, because they've been out so long, the macro algae on the LR has really grown, so they'll have all of those natural veggies to munch on whenever they please. No more nori clip!
Triggerfish
Active member
Laura - good concerns there.
I would say that if it has been 4-6 weeks with no ich sightings, then you should be good to go.
HLLE is very common with that species anyway.
also, in the future you may want to get another test kit to double check the NH3 readings..not sure if i would rely to heavily on the badge types.
It sounds like you're good here.. get them back in and keep us updated regarding conditions.
good luck..
I would say that if it has been 4-6 weeks with no ich sightings, then you should be good to go.
HLLE is very common with that species anyway.
also, in the future you may want to get another test kit to double check the NH3 readings..not sure if i would rely to heavily on the badge types.
It sounds like you're good here.. get them back in and keep us updated regarding conditions.
good luck..
AquAsylum
New member
Okay, here's the update- we made the move last night. Everyone is doing well, and the tangs are grazing like mad cows. Surprisingly, the hippo in clear water looks much better than I anticipated. The yellow is showing the HLLE a little bit more than I expected, but I hope they will both continue to improve.
No signs of the ich. Fingers crossed!
No signs of the ich. Fingers crossed!
Terrific news!!! I'm sure the Yellow Tang will improve now that he/she is in clear water with lots of algae to graze on! Sometimes Yellows look worse simply because of the color - everything shows on them. Just wait it out and I'm sure the Yellow will be rounded and gorgeous again soon!!!
I'll keep my fingers crossed on the ich. I really think you are home free now!
I'll keep my fingers crossed on the ich. I really think you are home free now!
Triggerfish
Active member
they are a couple..i think they transferred their fish, but lost the corals due to power outage..the area they are in i believe did not get flooded.
Triggerfish
Active member
<font color=ff0000><font size=4>UPDATE </font></font>
Post ICH Period = Week 1
9/11 - Gramma, LMB placed back to main system
9/18 - Female clown placed back
9/19 - NO ich noticed in system
<hr>
<font size=3>Remaining in Quarantine</font>
Round 2 - Week 9
QT#1:55g
Angel
2 yellow tailed damsels
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks (ich survived) dosage issue?
Treatment 2: Copper (Cupramine)- 3 weeks: no sign of ich upon completion
3 weeks remaining for observation
<hr>
QT#2:10g
False perc
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks
Treatment 2: 4 Formalin baths to treat for Brook. No improvement
Treatment 3: Furan - antibiotic to treat for redness under chin - rapid respiration. no idea?
<hr>
QT#3:5g
Niger trigger
Treatment 1: Copper-3weeks
Treatment 2: hypo @ 1.008 4 weeks
Treatment 3: Copper - 3 weeks - i have no idea what's up with this fish.. looks like spots or small pits on top of head/mouth area, still spot on body.
6 weeks remaining
<hr>
QT#4: little playmate cooler
tube worm rock
2 hairy mushroom rock
got these from fellow aquarist-
3 weeks remaining
NOTE: i will be setting up a 5th quarantine tank this week to house some LR i plan on getting a deal on.
i will be moving the niger to a 10g this week also.
oh crap..just remembered,,i'm picking up a free Bangaii from a fellow reefer Wed..no idea where he will end up going????
Post ICH Period = Week 1
9/11 - Gramma, LMB placed back to main system
9/18 - Female clown placed back
9/19 - NO ich noticed in system
<hr>
<font size=3>Remaining in Quarantine</font>
Round 2 - Week 9
QT#1:55g
Angel
2 yellow tailed damsels
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks (ich survived) dosage issue?
Treatment 2: Copper (Cupramine)- 3 weeks: no sign of ich upon completion
3 weeks remaining for observation
<hr>
QT#2:10g
False perc
Treatment 1: Copper- 3 weeks
Treatment 2: 4 Formalin baths to treat for Brook. No improvement
Treatment 3: Furan - antibiotic to treat for redness under chin - rapid respiration. no idea?
<hr>
QT#3:5g
Niger trigger
Treatment 1: Copper-3weeks
Treatment 2: hypo @ 1.008 4 weeks
Treatment 3: Copper - 3 weeks - i have no idea what's up with this fish.. looks like spots or small pits on top of head/mouth area, still spot on body.
6 weeks remaining
<hr>
QT#4: little playmate cooler
tube worm rock
2 hairy mushroom rock
got these from fellow aquarist-
3 weeks remaining
NOTE: i will be setting up a 5th quarantine tank this week to house some LR i plan on getting a deal on.
i will be moving the niger to a 10g this week also.
oh crap..just remembered,,i'm picking up a free Bangaii from a fellow reefer Wed..no idea where he will end up going????
Last edited:
tjay
Premium Member
Katrina, Stress, and an ich free tank
Katrina, Stress, and an ich free tank
Well just some more info for those who feel stress can bring on ich in ANY tank.
Due to Katrina our 90 gallon reef, went through a 6 day period with no power no AC and no food in steamy New orleans with nothing but battery driven bubblers.
We lost the copper band before we could get back and the crabs made lunch of him. Two days later we lost our yellow tang. Many of our corals including our ricordia died.
Then to prevent further loss we tore down the tank and moved the remaining 4 fish, an anenome and some of the die hard corals into our 50 gallon QT that we moved to my office where there was power.
In all that stress, and under all those bad conditions our nasso tang and none of our other fish showed any signs of ich.
We are very thankfull to George at coral connection who had a huge battle with his own shop and his 800 gallon tank, but with all of that he kept us supplied with salt and shrimp.
www.coralconnection.com.
We are going to soon start rebuilding our tank, this time with a replacement reef ready tank, and supplies offered to us from aquauniverse.com
Unfortunately it wont be in our beloved city of New Orleans but Dallas Texas.
Just thought yall would find it interesting and hope it encourages you folks to keep up the quest. It does pay off.
Katrina, Stress, and an ich free tank
Well just some more info for those who feel stress can bring on ich in ANY tank.
Due to Katrina our 90 gallon reef, went through a 6 day period with no power no AC and no food in steamy New orleans with nothing but battery driven bubblers.
We lost the copper band before we could get back and the crabs made lunch of him. Two days later we lost our yellow tang. Many of our corals including our ricordia died.
Then to prevent further loss we tore down the tank and moved the remaining 4 fish, an anenome and some of the die hard corals into our 50 gallon QT that we moved to my office where there was power.
In all that stress, and under all those bad conditions our nasso tang and none of our other fish showed any signs of ich.
We are very thankfull to George at coral connection who had a huge battle with his own shop and his 800 gallon tank, but with all of that he kept us supplied with salt and shrimp.
www.coralconnection.com.
We are going to soon start rebuilding our tank, this time with a replacement reef ready tank, and supplies offered to us from aquauniverse.com
Unfortunately it wont be in our beloved city of New Orleans but Dallas Texas.
Just thought yall would find it interesting and hope it encourages you folks to keep up the quest. It does pay off.
tjay
Premium Member
plaz said:
waterbug and I are betrothed. We share our tank and a million other common passions.
We faired better than most and with a little help from our friends we will have a new tank in Dallas in about a month or so.
We did loose a couple fish and corals. And we lost our best bud bruiser the black lab we had. ( the stress of evacuation was too much for him )
Triggerfish
Active member
horrible tj...sorry to hear bout all that..how the heck did the dog die?
Hi Tjay and Water' Bug,
I am very, very sorry for your loss! I know how our pets are part of the family!!!
Thankfully, you both are all right... and I'm glad to hear "Betty Boop?" (I think that was your Tang?) made it through.
Once you get setup in Dallas, let us know what type of corals you are interested in and I am sure we will all be glad to send you whatever frags might be of interest!
I am very, very sorry for your loss! I know how our pets are part of the family!!!
Thankfully, you both are all right... and I'm glad to hear "Betty Boop?" (I think that was your Tang?) made it through.
Once you get setup in Dallas, let us know what type of corals you are interested in and I am sure we will all be glad to send you whatever frags might be of interest!
tjay
Premium Member
Bruiser our lab, was 13 years old and had health problems. Moving him from here to baton rouge and putting him in a caotic place with 15 other displaced people and pets stressed him over the edge.
We had to put him to sleep two days after leaving. He was 95 lbs and it only took enough medicine to put down a 20 lb dog for him to stop breathing. The vet in baton rouge was so nice, they waved the fees because of what had happened and were so supportive of us.
We had to put him to sleep two days after leaving. He was 95 lbs and it only took enough medicine to put down a 20 lb dog for him to stop breathing. The vet in baton rouge was so nice, they waved the fees because of what had happened and were so supportive of us.
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