Lfs and using maracyn

[kingpin9995]

I have velvet I believe on two clowns and a tang. My LFS person tells me I can use Maracyn to treat in my reef tank. I've never heard of that. Is this a no no. I don't want to destroy my reef in the process. I don't think these fish are going to make it. I can get the clowns out to a qt tank but the tang is another story trying to catch him. Please advisse.

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

I think Maracyn is an antibiotic type of medicine, and if it is, it's not going to kill the velvet.

If you want to try to save the fish you're going to probably have to tear the tank apart to catch them and get them into a hospital tank ASAP.

I know that sounds like a lot of work and I can confirm that it is.... I'm just in the process of putting my tank back together again after tearing it down to catch all the fish and put them into a hospital tank.

I guess in your case it depends on how badly the fish are infected and how much effort you want to put into trying to save them. There's no guarantees, unfortunately. Good luck.
Sue

 

[kingpin9995]

Thank you Sue. So what would you suggest for the velvet...? Copper? I was on vacation and its pretty advanced at this stage. I really don't know if they will even make it through treatment. I am resetting up my qt tank now and I guess I will see how they are tomorrow. I lost an angel that I believe infected the fish. Have had a terrible time keeping any kind of angel for some reason..

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

I had a gorgeous angel, A Regal, who actually died in the QT tank about a week after I got her. Maybe they're like the Hippos.... especially susceptible?

I think the only thing that possibly cures velvet is copper. You're right - if they're in real bad shape they may not survive the treatment, but you're probably going to have to do something drastic to get it out of your tank even after the fish die. Otherwise, all new fish are going to come down with it, too.

I'm betting these awful parasites are a major reason why some hobbyists throw in the towel. It's devastating and there's no easy fix.

Good luck, whatever you decide.
Sue

 

[angelfish7]

I had a gorgeous angel, A Regal, who actually died in the QT tank about a week after I got her. Maybe they're like the Hippos.... especially susceptible?

I think the only thing that possibly cures velvet is copper.

You're right - if they're in real bad shape they may not survive the treatment, but you're probably going to have to do something drastic to get it out of your tank even after the fish die. Otherwise, all new fish are going to come down with it, too.
I'm betting these awful parasites are a major reason why some hobbyists throw in the towel. It's devastating and there's no easy fix.

Good luck, whatever you decide.
Sue

I believe angels are much hardier than tangs. Though some are recommended for more experience hobbyists. Regals tend to be very finnicky eaters and many(especially the larger ones) either wont eat at all or just stop eating suddenly.
I agree copper is the only thing that cures velvet on a fish.
I would remove all fish to a qt and leave tank fallow for a minimal 9-10 weeks.
Many of these wipeouts would be prevented if all hobbyists would practice a good qt regimen. To many people(especially new hobbyists) are led by irresponsible lfs and told to just throw a new fish in the DT!! This is one hobby one needs to become knowledgeable of all the do's & donts before jumping in or it will cost you a lot of $$$$. good luck

 

[kingpin9995]

This is going to be one hell of a job. Yes I took a chance on this angel. The LFS dude told me he had had the fish for a good two months and that it should be no problem. I should have known better. I have about 90 pounds of live rock in my 54 corner bowfront and plenty of corals. I have the clowns in the qt tank now but the other members are going to be tough to capture. I have the yellow tang, which is infected, and three green chromis which are doing fine. Also a scooter and a mandarin goby. Had never had any problems with parasites before in the year and a half I've been in the hobby. Well maybe its a good thing because I also have two small mantis that I know where they are , at the bottom of the rock of course, and have not been able to trap them. Smart little bastards, lol. Thanks for the info. Looks like a major teardown is about to happen..