New Ich Problem

[rockcod5]

I've had my tank for 4 years now and never had a problem with ich. I recently had two fish die within a month of each other flame angel and coral beauty. I had recently added a new flame angel and he got ich and died within three days, plus I did not have a cleaner shrimp. Then I added a coral beauty he got ich and died within two weeks. What could be the problem because I've had my tank for so long and never had a problem.
I have a 55g with maroon clown, twin spot wrasses, yellow goby. All of these fish I've had for three years now and never have they gotten ich, just the new ones I've added. I'm thinking the fish I've added are not hardy ones??? My other fish have lived forever. Any sugestions? I was thinking of adding a yellow tang since those are pretty hardy and will eat the algae that is now developing.

 

[beth]

I would strongly suggest that you don't add fish to your display tank anymore without quarantining newcomers first. You are running on borrowed time with your existing fish if you keep adding sick fish to the display.
Take a look at the FAQ Thread [at the top of this forum] and the post there on ich. I think if you understand this parasite a bit better, than you will understand how to avoid introducing it to your display.
Post back if you have more questions. Glad to see you join Saltwaterfish.com.

 

[rockcod5]

What can cause ick? I've heard several things but what do you think is the most popular cause. I think the best way of prevention is having a cleaner shrimp in your tank. Is there any other good way to prevent ick and also once you have a diseased fish in your tank with ick can you get rid of it from your tank or does the disease remain there?

 

[beth]

Ich is a parasite. It come to our tanks attached to infected fish. Its a common parasite and can be eliminated only by using a few specfic treatments. Take a look at the FAQ Thead and the post there on ich.