medicine question

[fishphreak]

I have started my first salwater tank. It's a 29g that's been up and running about 1 month. All that's in the tank right now is 1 yellow tail blue damsel (my domino i got sat. died last night) and approx. 50 lbs of live rock. The LR had an urchin and 4 baby starfish in them when I bought them.
Anyway I was just wondering if anyone had any info on the most common illness in marine fish and how to attempt treament in case of an illness. And are there any meds that I should keep on hand in case of an illness? Also I have been told to not to use any copper based meds as they can harm my tank?
Is there any medication that is a good all around treament for different illnesses?
Thank you,
Jessica

 

[beth]

Jessica, the most common disease in fish in the hobby is ICH.
The best thing you can ever do for your tank and your fish is to quarantine them before they ever go into the display. This way you can safely treat them for disease and NOT introduce diseases into your tank. Tanks should never be exposed to medications. It is like you putting meds in your drinking water because you are sick and need medication. Does everyone else in your family need the medication? Well, it is the same with your fish tank. Medications in the hobby are pretty potenent and can be very toxic. A closed system such as a fish tank may never reach its feel potential after being dosed.
Please take a look at the FAQ Thread and the posts on QT/Hospital Tanks.