red bug treatment/alternative?

[chemisfun11]

Hi all,

I thought I always took preventative measures by dipping all new acquisitions, but I was wrong. I'm pretty confident I have red bugs. I don't have a dog/cat and I'm having a hard time getting any interceptor tablets to treat my tank from local vets.

Are there any other possible alternatives to eradicate this pest? It only affected a few of my lightly colored SPS initially, but now I'm starting to notice them on some of my darker acros as well, and I'm getting concerned.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to start selling/trading some frags, but I wouldn't do that until I get rid of this pest. I wouldn't want to pass it on to anyone else.

Thanks.

Lee

 

[pecan2phat]

Sorry Lee,

Multiple Interceptor treatments has been the only known treatment to work so far.

Maybe LIRA members will see this thread and help you out with some pills. You don't need much since one large pill treats 300g (if I remember correctly).

 

[chemisfun11]

I had a feeling that Interceptor was my only hope. I even contacted the company Novartis to see if they knew that their product was being used in aquariums. My hope was that a prescription wouldn't be needed to obtain it. I guess I'll keep trying the local vets unless someone else chimes in. Thanks.

 

[cb747]

Post up on Manhattan reefs. Interceptor pills seem to show up there quite often. Someone has to have a few to spare.

 

[chemisfun11]

Thanks cb747. I'll definitely try Manhattan reefs. Meantime, I found an aquatic vet who is interested in helping out. I just have to send him some of the links to threads, treatment regiments I've read on ReefCentral. From there we'll see what happens.

 

[CoralJunkieXXX]

You could try a radiant wrasse, but more than likely interceptor will be necessary!

 

[cb747]

Sweet let me know how you make out!

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12695457#post12695457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chemisfun11
Thanks cb747. I'll definitely try Manhattan reefs. Meantime, I found an aquatic vet who is interested in helping out. I just have to send him some of the links to threads, treatment regiments I've read on ReefCentral. From there we'll see what happens.

Please keep us posted. AFAIK, there is only one legal means of obtaining Interceptor, and that's by script, from a vet. Many threads on the subject get closed here as folks want to discuss illegal means of obtaining it. If you have luck with this aquatic vet you mention, please don't keep it a secret.

 

[chemisfun11]

DgenR8 - I definitely don't want to get this thread closed. I know it is illegal to obtain Interceptor without a script.

I spoke with another veternarian (besides the fish guy) who would perscribe the interceptor if I brought a picture of my fish, started a file, and of course charged me for the visit along with the cost of the Interceptor.

I tried to explain that it was not a fish disease and a parasitic organism that attacks SPS coral, which is an animal, but it was only a helpful secretary to whom I was speaking.

So, I'll keep everyone posted. I'm just trying to find an economical/legal/time saving method of obtaining Interceptor for all reefkeepers who need it.

 

[chemisfun11]

Just a quick update for all who are interested. I sent a bunch of links to the aquatic vet I mentioned earlier in the post and he's more than willing to sell me the interceptor when I arrive at his office

I don't want to get the thread closed or get in trouble with the mods. Once I've had success obtaining the interceptor am I allowed to discuss who the Dr. is and how to get in touch with him? I'm not sure of the forums rules on this, but I can assure you that everything is on the up and up.

 

[DgenR8]

Chem,
If you buy it legally through a Vet, then pass it along to others, that would be illegal, and not allowed. Passing along contact info for someone that can/will dispense the medication in accordance with the law would be just fine with me, and actually much appreciated.

 

[matthewscars]

Why is it illegal?

 

[billsreef]

Got to ask the law makers that one

 

[greggnyce]

It is illegal because you cannot distribute any prescription to those who are not on the prescription. Some animal medications can be used as narcotics as well. Like Ketamine(special K).

 

[chemisfun11]

Well, I'm very excited about passing on the information once tomorrow has come and gone. I'll be taking a trip to the vet and he has assured me that he will sell me the interceptor to treat my red bug problem.

We've had some discussion on the phone and via e-mail, and I'd like to discuss with him how others (like myself) could and should contact him. I don't know if he's given me special consideration or this is a one shot deal, etc.

I plan on getting all the details tomorrow. He even mentioned a sister drug that is cheaper than interceptor and already a liquid. So there may be a suitable alternative potentially. I'll keep everybody posted. I should probably prepare some questions and take some notes too

 

[chemisfun11]

Success! Today I was able to meet with Dr. Tepper and he sold me Interceptor. Now I just have to go through the treatment regiment and follow up with Dr. Tepper regarding my red bug problem

Anyway, if you have a red bug problem, Dr. Tepper is very interested in helping out the reefing community. He is well connected to people involved in the aquarium industry as well as the drug company Novartis (they make Interceptor).

You can find his contact information at http://www.longislandfishhospital.com/

If you'd like to know any more details or if you have questions for me, don't hesitate to send me a pm. I certainly hope my efforts are helpful for the entire reefing community, and this allows people like me to obtain this medication easily and legally.