Interceptor to kill Ich?

[benningtondt8]

I had one of those random thoughts pop in my head while at work thinking about my tank. I got the idea that possibly interceptor which is used to kill red bugs in acropora's could also possibly be effective against ich. There is probably some science to why this would not work, but was just wondering if you have tried it or heard of anyone trying it.

 

[marlin85]

I can say that I have had 2 red bug infestations in my reef tank and have done the complete interceptor treatment both times and when my fish get stressed, they still get ich every once in a while so I know the parasite is still in there.

 

[benningtondt8]

How many times did you use it, and how long?
I wonder if u carried out treatment often enough and over long enough period to wipe out all the stages?

 

[benningtondt8]

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[jimmyj7090]

Interceptor has nothing to do with treating ick. Ick is very different from red bugs.

Kind of like asking if asprin cures cancer, no evidence, no reason to suspect, and plenty of cases where it has done nothing.

 

[benningtondt8]

Thanks for clearing things up jimmy

 

[benningtondt8]

Jimmy any information on how much red bugs and ich differ biologically would be great to see. Thanks

 

[snorvich]

Interceptor has nothing to do with treating ick. Ick is very different from red bugs.

Kind of like asking if asprin cures cancer, no evidence, no reason to suspect, and plenty of cases where it has done nothing.

exactly

 

[jimmyj7090]

Jimmy any information on how much red bugs and ich differ biologically would be great to see. Thanks

Red bugs = harpactcoid copepods, 500 microns - 1/2mm (small bugs), feed specifically on acropora corals

Ick = protozoan parisite, (single celled), maybe 1/10th the size of red bugs at the most. Feed specifically on fish.


Kind of like comparing the flu virus to ticks. Really nothing in common beyond the fact that we don't want eiter

 

[benningtondt8]

makes sense, thanks for taking the time and explaining the facts

 

[jimmyj7090]

NP, and FWIW my "facts" aren't super specific, just what a little googling could produce.

If it's of any help, there are great sticikes on ick and ick treatment at the top of the reef discussion forum. Also, there is a very good article on red bugs written yrs back (before anyone ever thought of using heart worm medication to kill them);
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/6/aafeature

 

[benningtondt8]

I do not currently have ich or red bugs, it was just an idea that pop in my head. thanks for the link though, could come in handy later down the road.