Porcupine copper safe for ich trt. PLEASE HELP

[johneebego]

I need to treat my tank for ich and not sure if its safe to put copper in the tank with the puffer please let me know asap thanks

 

[beth]

John, it isn't safe to treat any display tank with copper. What type of setup do you have? Live rock, inverts? Details about your tank will help.
Also, what other fish do you have?

 

[johneebego]

Hi Beth, thanks for the reply. The tank is fish only, no live rock or sand, just regular base rock and fake plants. ive been told that copper is not safe for porcupine puffer, just wonderind if this is true. thanks again, john

 

[beth]

That is very good news. You can perform Hyposalinity right in your tank with no ill effects to the tank environment. Take a look at the post on ich in the FAQ Thread.

 

[backstab]

I've got a Porqupine puffer that has Ich and have him in my hospital tank that I'm treating with copper without Ill side affects.
Although he dosen't seem to be getting better.
A fresh water dip might do the trick if the infestation is minimal and he's not to stressed.
Let me now how the Hypo went.:thinking:

 

[beth]

Are you maintaining copper levels by testing daily?

 

[johneebego]

Good news!!! There was no ich, just a scare when blue tang scratched once.We never saw any spots or anything. Didnt want to take any chances, so we asked right away, but everybody is doing great and eating well with no signs of parasite . But for future reference, i would still like to know if the copper is safe for the puffer.since it is considered a scaleless fish. thanks again for all the help!,
John

 

[beth]

Copper can be used on a puffer, but for ich treatment, hyposalinity is the better choice. Copper should be considered as the medication of last resort.
Glad to hear that everyting is ok! :yes:

 

[backstab]

Copper was efective and my little puffer is fine.
My fist dose was a shock for him, stressed him badly. So i halved the dose to minimize the initial shock when adding. Took four days to remove all visible signs.
He's alive and doing well.

 

[beth]

Well, backstab, I hope it works out, but to be honest with you, from your description of how you handled it, I would not be suprised if you saw ich rear up several days down the road.
Copper treatment requires consistent treatment for 3 wks with viligent attention paid to maintaining theraputic copper level in the tank. [Meaning you need to test copper levels daily].
If you read the post on ich in the FAQ Thread, you will see why you don't see ich at the momement, and why you may well be seeing it again in the near future.