no, don not use copper in the main tank, it gets in everything(rock and sand included), and is almost impossible to get out, the best advice is q them and wait 1 month before adding them again, ick will die off without a host after 20something days, one month is more than adequate, and uv's IMO kill everything, not just parasites, they are not picky, they kill bacteria and all, even the bacteria you want, but they have been reprted to HELP ALOT(not guarenteed) with ick, and garlic is a great preventative, and MAY help in minor instances(but is not guarenteed either), and if it does(it helped mine), all it does is repels the ick(kinda like giveing it to a cat to prevent fleas), so they don't attatch themselves to the fish, thus breaking the bond, but you have to keep it off for 30 days(IF it helps ), however, i do reccommend using kyolic garlic extract for preventative maintenance after the problem is resolved(i say kyolic extract,( many health food stores sell it, because it is less hassle, stronger and odorless), and cheap, it is about 15$ for a bottle, but you only will use a couple of drops every week or so)
HTH
