ich b/c of temp. cahnge??

[1clownman]

I have a 75 gallon tank with 100 lb live rock that I recently noticed ich on a few of my fish. they are powder brown tang, blue tang, and a flame angel. I had a shift in the temp and thats when I noticed it. The wierd thing is that the ich now appears to be gone in the mourning and back in the evening. should I treat the tank or just let it ride out?

 

[lefty]

If the temperature change took place over a short period of time, then yes, it could easily cause ich. I wouldn't recommend medicating your tank. You should have a quarantine tank you can put your fish in to treat them. Ich doesn't leave on its own; just because the spots aren't always there doesn't mean it isn't present.
-lefty

 

[1clownman]

It would almost be impossible for me to catch the fish, I have so much rock that it would be very difficult. my lfs said that the fish may just fight off the ich. I don't want to lose the fish, but I don't want to screw up my tank either. What would you do?

 

[beth]

Temperature change does not cause ich. Ich is a parasite that was introduced into your system by a host fish. Your fish have basically been "living with" ich and the stress caused by the temp change, may have reduced your fishes' immune system enough to allow ich to become more prolific.
I'm afraid unless you deal adequately with this problem now, then you will always have ich in your tank. If you just can not QT the fish and treat them, then try heavy garlic soaked food feedings using fresh minced garlic.
Alternatively, its a hassle, but you could remove the LR into a large rubbermaid temporarily and place a PH or 2 in the rubbermaid [depending on how much LR you have] then treat the tank using hyposalinity. If you have any inverts, they will also need to go into the rubbermaid with the LR.
Take a look at the post on ich in the FAQ Thread and you will get info on ich, how the parasite works, and how to effectively treat it.

 

[lefty]

I apologize for my poor wording; as Beth said, I meant a sudden temperature change could make the ich detectable to you, but it would have to have already been present for this to happen. :happyfish
-lefty

 

[1clownman]

ok, I started treating my tank with ich attack today. Its supposed to be reef safe, its 100% organic. I will keep you guys posted. I hope this stuff works! my lfs said they have had good results with it.

 

[1clownman]

so far, this stuff sucks! the fish have become more stressed and broke out with alot more ich. I don't even know if this stuff really kills ich. Its been one week and no emprovement really! but only my powder brown tang has died so far. I feel really bad, and I have become more discuraged about keeping saltwater fish. Maybe my luck will change

 

[beth]

Reef medications are not a good choice IMO. I'm afraid the only sure method for treatment is hyposalinity and copper, preferably hypo because it is safer for fish. Of course, there is no way to treat with a reef system.

 

[dominican]

Clownman, that's the problem. It's not about luck.... Beth gave you the right advice, but you hoped for an easier soln and had to cross your fingers... Sorry for your loss. Get a QT so this doesn't happen to you again...
I'm only commenting because I learned the hard way too.. If lucky enough to get advice from the most experienced people on this site, take it. Unfortunately, there aren't many substitutes for the tried and true methods in this hobby..
Just my two cents...

 

[dominican]

Beth, what's the longest a fish should be treated with copper? I've read 3 days after all signs of ich are gone, but what should be considered average time, and what's too long? Thanks...
Regards,
Dominican

 

[orangespot]

Clownman, don't be discouraged...just hope for the best and get the qt tank....I made the same mistake by introducing fish into tank and causing catastrophes to the display...now everything is qted so I won't have the disappointment and financial loss.