UV lights are actually more effective when placed between tanks in a multi tank system. That way all the water has to flow through the UV before it passes to the next tank. In a single tank system a UV is not as effective. The problem is that the parasites can easily attach to the fish before they pass through the UV light. To maximize the effectiness of your UV you need to make sure the bulbs are new (probably have to change every 6 months), the bulbs are clean and free of materials that build up on them, the wattage has to be high enough for the size of the aquarium and the water flow must be at the right rate. Water flow that is too fast does not allow enough exposure to the bulb. Water flow that is too slow does not expose as much of the water as needed per hour. A powerful UV that is used correctly can help, but it is tough to cure the fish of ich. Tomonts usually hatch at night when the fish are settled close to the bottom making them easy targets. Some people claim that garlic works while others have tried it and said that it had no effect. There isn't any hard evidence that garlic is effective as a treatment for ich
A quarantine tank isn't really optional if you want to be successful in this hobby for long. Failure to quarantine is one of the top reasons that people quit the hobby IMO. You could use a large Rubbermaid container, a heater, some PVC pipe for hiding and an air driven sponge filter for biological filtration.
Terry B
. Instant noodles!
