Bottom line on ich?

[fred32]

Okay, there are many different thoughts out there on ich...but since I've lost most of my fish to it this week despite treatment, I'd like to know the bottom line, or as close as we can get.
In the past 2 weeks, I've lost: flame angel, yellow-tailed blue damsel, 7 green chromis, yellow tang. I'd rather not lose any more! My black mollies are STILL having babies and show no signs whatsoever...go figure.
Medication: is there on or a group that work? I've been trying to find some more info on Fish-Vet's Ecolibrium...any thoughts there? It says it's reef safe. I have 3 hermit crabs, a small cowrie and some mushroom anemones that I like and would rather not kill.
I also have a fairy wrasse on hold that is coming home as soon as I think it's safe.
As far as hyposalinity goes, if the tank seems clear of ich, would it be wise to give any new fish a few minute freshwater dip before adding them to your tank? Wouldn't that kill off some potential problems?
Any idea if my mollies might be infected but show no signs, only to keep the parasite alive and in my tank even 30+ days down the road?
Thanks all!
Fred

 

[fred32]

Also, I have no problem removing my mollies from the tank along with the babies they insist on making...how long should I leave them out for? I would assume that without a fish host, the ich will naturally die-off on its own...but I've been told the dormant stage cysts can remain in the tank....but for how long will they remain inactive??

 

[beth]

The best treatment for ick is hyposalinity. You tank should remain fishless for 1 mo to rid it of ick.

 

[marine fanatic]

I have lost 2 angels, 1 silvertip (cat) and 2 damsels to ick and my tank is only 5 months old. After hearing all of the variables to it I think I am going to go strictly reef,corals and inverts. Then after a year or so and I feel that I have a firm grasp on treating such a disease, then maybe add some fish.

 

[fishfood]

Like Beth said Hyposalinity is the best solution. Keep your tank fish free for a month. Its not going to help if you don't quarantine your new fish.
Marine Fanatic - if you qt all of your new fish you shouldn't have to wait a year. In a full reef tank you will still have to try to catch all of the fish and treat them with hypo if they come down with ich.