Ich question

[Hoono]

Hello guys.

First I would like to thank you for all the great support that you guys give to new fish lovers.

Unfortunately my new tank (6 months) got ich after I buy a two spot bristle tooth (TSBT) :headwally: I lost my gramma, did not see it dying. I lost two other and my TSBT after one week treating in a HT with cupramine. He was the only I was sure that was sick, but I moved all to my HT. I had to set up it really fast.

My fault, my mistake. I was so anxious to have a saltwater tank, I thought that I learned the basics to start, but never considered quarantine any new fish, specially because when I bought them, the guy said I shouldn't botter, that wasn't necessary. Again, I can't blame him. Take care of my tank and animals is my responsibility:headwally::headwally::headwally:.

My wife cried. I couldn't sleep or was afraid to every new morning go check my HT and find another dead fish. It is very sad and frustrating.

Anyway, I won't disturb you with my mourning.
I read this forum stick posts about ich, i understand it a bit better now.

1 - I would like to ask, for how long should I keep my fish away from my DT, 72 days?

2 - My HT has been treated with cupramine, tomorrow will be 2 weeks since it start. The bottle says to do the ttm for 14 days, should I stop or give 1-2 weeks more? I believe it is giving a secondary effect, I mean, my fish are poorly eating, I don't want them starving to death

**Sorry my broken english.

Have a good weekend guys.

 

[vinhle00]

(1) yes you want the tank to be fallow for 72 days of no fish.

(2) 4 weeks if you want to be more sure. But I think tank transfer method is a much better option. Only take 12 days and best of all no chemical.

 

[Hoono]

But do you think I should change method now?

 

[vinhle00]

If it was me i would just observe for a few weeks after the 14 days of treatment as instructed by the bottle. If at anytime symptoms come back then i would go with TTM.

Since you're going 72 days of no fish anyway. Use that time to observe.

 

[Hoono]

Thank you. I will follow your advice.

 

[Spar]

Whereas Seachem stands by their 2 weeks bottle-printed recommendation, hobbyist experience will tell you the full 4 weeks is critical. Then observing an additional 2-4 weeks after that (or up until the 72 days DT fallow period is up).

IMO, you are better off just switching to TTM now rather than even wasting time with copper. You can do the TTM over the 12 days period and observe for 4 more weeks, and be done at the same time had you done Cupramine instead.

 

[snorvich]

Whereas Seachem stands by their 2 weeks bottle-printed recommendation, hobbyist experience will tell you the full 4 weeks is critical. Then observing an additional 2-4 weeks after that (or up until the 72 days DT fallow period is up).

IMO, you are better off just switching to TTM now rather than even wasting time with copper. You can do the TTM over the 12 days period and observe for 4 more weeks, and be done at the same time had you done Cupramine instead.

what he said.

 

[Hoono]

I will try to set up a new one today.

May I ask a personal question? How do you guys quarantine you new fish before transfer to your DT, for how long, and what medicine do you use?

 

[Spar]

No medication is necessary unless there is a specific need that pops up.

After TTM just house them in a simple tank for the duration of your observation. By simple, you can get away with just a heater, airstone(s) and pvc hiding places.

Length of time is up to you. Most recommend at least 4 weeks following TTM. I personally do 2 more weeks but i have been doing TTM a long time and am confident in my process. In my early days i did more.

 

[Spar]

Also worth noting about duration, is that really bad nasties like velvet can remain unnoticed for up to 3 weeks. So a total of 4 weeks observation (including TTM) should be the bare minimum. Longer the better though.

 

[snorvich]

Also worth noting about duration, is that really bad nasties like velvet can remain unnoticed for up to 3 weeks. So a total of 4 weeks observation (including TTM) should be the bare minimum. Longer the better though.

Five weeks minimum. Formalin dip, TTM then observation and developing a feeding response with no competition.

 

[ThRoewer]

I would make that observation period 2 months.
I've had ich flaring up after 6 weeks in QT with nothing new added.
Velvet and especially brook usually show up sooner.

 

[Hoono]

Thank you guys, is good rear from experienced hobbyist.

I saw in another post one guys saying he uses antibiotic for all new fish for one week.

 

[Deinonych]

Thank you guys, is good rear from experienced hobbyist.

I saw in another post one guys saying he uses antibiotic for all new fish for one week.

I personally would not advocate using antibiotics without reason. Doing so can potentially create resistant strains that could be problematic long term.

 

[Hoono]

I personally would not advocate using antibiotics without reason. Doing so can potentially create resistant strains that could be problematic long term.

Good point. Well, basing on all I learned from you guys I believe the best way is just observe and treat when needed. In sum: TTM for 12 days + 40/60days of observation.

Any particular proceeding for corals?

 

[ThRoewer]

...
Any particular proceeding for corals?

Cut them off the plug/base and then QT them for 3 months with regular dips.
Not because of fish diseases but because of coral pests!

 

[snorvich]

Cut them off the plug/base and then QT them for 3 months with regular dips.
Not because of fish diseases but because of coral pests!

This. Especially true for SPS

 

[Hoono]

And we see on youtube a lot of ppl unpacking new corals and placing them directly in the DT.

So, 2 "small" tanks for quarantine new fish, another one for corals and a DT:fish1:

No one ever said it would be easy, right?!?!

My next step will be build my stand, but for that I will read everything here before, and ask for help.

Thank you again.

 

[Spar]

I just always keep a fully functioning fallow reef tank (simple in equipment) going to put new non-fish into. Since always cycled I don't have to worry about dropping new things in there.

 

[Hoono]

A little update. After 3 weeks inside the HT and 1 week without cupramine, my clown fish showed ich. I did TTM, and now everyone is looking better, the clown is changing the scales and recovering. My QT is going through the ammonia cicle, actually just finished and passing through nitrate, water change for life lol.

My DT is sad, my shrimps are sad 8).

I had a blue cheek goby that used to clean my sandbed. Not sure if it is related to that, my tank now have those things that look like little bugs in the glass and everywhere. I will post a picture here, should I be worried about it?https://www.flickr.com/photos/23494544@N07/24669042880/