Marine Velvet

[Bowman]

I recently aquired several fish all from the same tank, one of which has a severe case of Velvet from what I can determine. The others don't seem to be affected and all are in quarantine. Has anyone successfully treated velvet and if so what was your course of treatment. The serious one is a large Sailfin tang, the others are a Scopas tang and 2 Pajama Cardinals. TIA for any help.

 

[Percula9]

The treatment for velvet is the same as ich. A fresh water bath can help if the fish are scratching. Treat with copper or formalin preparation. If the fish are still eating soak food in garlic for 20 min. Copper and or formalin kills the parasite only in the free swimming stage. When the cysts leave the body and fall to the bottom of the tank, they will hatch again and start the cycle of infection. This is when the meds kill them and prevent them from infecting the fish again. Lifecycle of parasite is 6-12 days. Treat for 14 days at least.

 

[Bowman]

Thanks for the info