Questions about TTM

[kelp47]

I currently have a pair of clowns in QT (they've been there a little over 4 weeks), and I now suspect they have ich. I've read lots of information on TTM, but most of it refers to a preventative treatment. This still works on currently infected fish, right?

If so, does the first 72 hour period begin once I transfer the fish from the current QT to the second QT?

Should I dip them in some type of medication in the first transfer to give them some relief, or will that just make the process more stressful? I really don't want to give them any more meds than necessary because I've been treating them for a few weeks (unsuccessfully) for internal parasites with metro and prazi. If they are still acting and eating fine, can I let them endure the "on-fish" phase and let the TTM take care of it? Or will I risk putting them in bad shape?

 

[Breadman03]

TTM works wonders on infected fish. I don't count putting fish in the first TTM QT as a transfer. Put them in the QT, then transfer to a fresh tank every 72 hours for 4 transfers.

 

[kelp47]

Thanks, breadman. If their only symptoms are white specks and some darting, do you they'll be okay without meds during the current "on-fish" phase? It's my understanding that they should get a break soon when the parasites drop of to reproduce--hopefully in the next qt, where they'll get left behind.

 

[Breadman03]

TTM really knocks it down quickly and is much easier on the fish than copper, which is the only medication that I'm aware of with an impact on ich.

 

[kelp47]

Great! This is the third day that they have had the white dust on them, and their behavior hasn't really changed since I first noticed it. So I feel like they'll be fine with TTM only and no meds. I plan to put them in the new QT this afternoon. I know the transfers will be stressful on the fish (and me!), but I'm glad to see a solution that doesn't require pumping the aquarium full of chemicals

 

[ThRoewer]

TTM really knocks it down quickly and is much easier on the fish than copper, which is the only medication that I'm aware of with an impact on ich.

There are many more effective treatments against Cryptocaryon (ich) than just copper. Chloroquine Phosphate (CP) is one.

Great! This is the third day that they have had the white dust on them, and their behavior hasn't really changed since I first noticed it. So I feel like they'll be fine with TTM only and no meds. I plan to put them in the new QT this afternoon. I know the transfers will be stressful on the fish (and me!), but I'm glad to see a solution that doesn't require pumping the aquarium full of chemicals

If it's fine dusting it's likely not Cryptocaryon.
The white spots of Cryptocaryon should be clearly distinguishable one by one, especially during early stages. In later stages the fish may be so covered that it looks white from the dots and the usual secondary infection of the damaged skin tissue.
Anything that is so fine that you can't easily make out individual dots is likely not Cryptocaryon but something else (Amyloodinium, Brooklynella, Trichodina, bacterial,...).
TTM exclusively works to clear fish of Cryptocaryon. It won't work against any of the others.