medication

[lost fish]

Any advice as to what kind of medication I can use on a newly purchased fish before introducing him into the main? I am new at this hobby and just lost all my fish to ick because I did not quarantine, I assume. I have read that a newly purchased fish should be in a QT tank before placing him the main. Should I medicate for prevention? If so what should I use? Also, are cleaner shrimp valuable to combat this disease?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[wamp]

I am moving this to the Disease and Treatment forum for you. You will probably get more answers there...

 

[fmarini]

Hi:
this is a delicate question, becuz in reality you don't want to start shot gun treating fish w/ medicines for no reason. You do have a qtank setup now? If it is cycled and your ready to roll, i would just put the fish in the q tank and start the observation period.
Yes cleaner shrimps will help w/ some external parasites
frank

 

[lost fish]

Thanks Frank....no I do not have a QT as of yet. I will be setting one up soon. I just lost all my fish to ick and am waiting for the 6 weeks. I was told by several different people to treat the fish when I purchase them just in case of a parasitic infection. I was told I could use Greenex or Melafix, but wanted some more opinions as to what is best to use. I am new at this and as you can see am learning the hard way.

 

[lost fish]

I do plan to get a QT to prevent this from happening again. I was just under the impression that when I do and purchase new fish, I have to medicate them in the QT before placing in the main.