what is my best option here?

[Lithy]

I have a new 100g. About 4 days after introducing two blue Tangs they developed ich. They are looking happy, they swim around a lot, have no symptoms other than the spots, graze the rock continuously. I have read about fish disease, prevention and treatment and I have some questions specific to my situation.

Unfortunately a QT is not an option. I literally do not have the space in my small condo. I started feeding the Tangs garlic nori two nights ago. They avidly eat it, but still no visible improvement.

The tank also contains 3 starfish and several snails and hermit crabs so copper (bad for invertebrates in general) or hyposalinity (too stressful for starfish) are not options. Correct?.

Which of the following do you recommend?

1) "Reef-safe" medication such as "Stop Parasites" or "Kent Rx P." which one?
2) Garlic: Continue to feed garlic nori. BTW, do I just mash the garlic, add a bit of water and soak the nori for a few minutes before feeding it to the tank? Are there better "garlic remedies"?
3) UV sterilizer? I don't think this will help the current situation but let me know if I am wrong.

Other ideas? Thanks! I would really appreciate some personalized advice.

 

[TerryB]

The only real answer is a quarantine tank. All other options don't have a great success rate. If you won't quarantine then this will be a problem again in the future. Under the circumstances, feeding the fish garlic and using a powerful UV may be the best you will do. It wouldn't hurt to provide a low stress environment, perfect water conditions and a widely varied diet. You might try adding a tiny amount of Beta glucan to the food for a few weeks.

Terry B

 

[sdaousa]

You should have a quarantine tank. It doesn't have to be big may be a 5 gallon tank. Don't put any medication direct into your tank as those will harm your tank later.

 

[sdaousa]

Itch usually happens as when introduce new fish into your tank. They're stressed. You should have aclimated the new fish. Use dripping method.

 

[Lithy]

Thanks Steve.
I did acclimate the fish with the drip method over 3 hours.
The garlic nori is being devoured and one the Tangs shows significant improvement of his spots. The other one is a bit better, but not as much. The fish are more active than ever...Will keep at it and get some beta glucan this weekend as well.