Observation as a QT treatment?

[rogeragrimes]

I'm relatively new to hobby...less than one year. My first QT try went fairly badly. My yellow tang died a day after the second half dose of copper (measurements said copper was on right on or even the low side after 2nd treatment), and the QT tank keeps getting nitrates (5 or so) after two weeks on my second try.

Right now all I have in it is a single new yellow tang. I haven't put anything else in the QT other than food.

My thinking is that simple observation for multiple weeks must have some viability. Wouldn't watching the fish for signs of disease for 7 weeks, and no other treatment, give me some reasonable assurance that my tang is disease free? Or am I being a fool?

Isn't the overwhelming odds that ick would become visible in 7 weeks of observation?

I know that many people say that you either treat all fish like they have ick (or other diseases) and treat accordingly as a pre-caution...but I'm scared of copper right now, and I don't have the space or two to do tank change out method...plus this latter method seems incredibly stressful to me...even though it seems to work for a majority of people who try it.

 

[Dmorty217]

I would use ANY other method than copper personally since I feel the same way about copper as you do. Chloroquine phosphate is a much better option for treatment and much less harsh on fish. To answer your first question, yes observation would suffice providing you are very well versed and educated on the different diseases and behaviors associated with certain disease. (some disease have more outward signs than others and just because you don't see "spots" doesn't mean something isn't there) Here is a book I would recommend you purchase

http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Marin...-Saltwater-Species-Alive-and-Thriving/8143239

 

[rogeragrimes]

I would use ANY other method than copper personally since I feel the same way about copper as you do. Chloroquine phosphate is a much better option for treatment and much less harsh on fish. To answer your first question, yes observation would suffice providing you are very well versed and educated on the different diseases and behaviors associated with certain disease. (some disease have more outward signs than others and just because you don't see "spots" doesn't mean something isn't there) Here is a book I would recommend you purchase

http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Marin...-Saltwater-Species-Alive-and-Thriving/8143239

Thanks for the tips and book recommendation.

 

[snorvich]

I give all fish a formalin dip followed by tank transfer. Total of five weeks observation minimum. Never copper.

 

[Dmorty217]

i give all fish a formalin dip followed by tank transfer. Total of five weeks observation minimum. Never copper.

+1

 

[Deinonych]

I give all fish a formalin dip followed by tank transfer. Total of five weeks observation minimum. Never copper.

+2

Observation alone will not always ensure the fish is disease free. Many fish can carry subclinical infections of Cryptocaryon (ich) without showing symptoms. Tank transfer eliminates that possibility.

 

[krullshards]

I would use ANY other method than copper personally since I feel the same way about copper as you do. Chloroquine phosphate is a much better option for treatment and much less harsh on fish. To answer your first question, yes observation would suffice providing you are very well versed and educated on the different diseases and behaviors associated with certain disease. (some disease have more outward signs than others and just because you don't see "spots" doesn't mean something isn't there) Here is a book I would recommend you purchase

http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Marin...-Saltwater-Species-Alive-and-Thriving/8143239

Thanks for the book recommendation. I'm picking up a few books on Fish diseases.. I've developed an interest in this area.

 

[snorvich]

Thanks for the book recommendation. I'm picking up a few books on Fish diseases.. I've developed an interest in this area.

Two books I highly recommend are:

Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment by Dr. Edward J Noga.

Captive Seawater Fishes: Science and Technology by Dr. Stephen Spotte

While not the easiest reading, they are both superb.

Both books are somewhat expensive but are well worth the money.

 

[krullshards]

Thanks Steve! I found out about the first one but did not know about the second.

As always, much appreciated.

 

[rogeragrimes]

I can't find Chloroquine phosphate or formalin at Bulk Reef Supply and other big online marine shops, although I did find Chloroquine solution (New Life Spectrum Powder Ick-Shield Bath Food) on Amazon. Some of the postings said that formalin is as dicey as copper.

What brands do you guys use?

Also, Formalin versus Chloroquine thoughts?

 

[Deinonych]

Formalin and chloroquine are for different treatments. The former for Brooklynella (and preventative dips), the latter for velvet.

Formalin: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O39SBK
Chloroquine phosphate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNQWACU

 

[snorvich]

Formalin and chloroquine are for different treatments. The former for Brooklynella (and preventative dips), the latter for velvet.

Formalin: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O39SBK
Chloroquine phosphate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNQWACU

What Chris said.