Alright, short background. The tank has been up since Oct, newbie switch over from fresh to salt. Spouse (who initiated the swap) came down with serious medical issues right after so most of the care/research/etc (besides manual labor) has been on me to maintain the tank (Yaaay). I've beaten flukes and algae, saved a hippo from starvation, am managing clear water, and good numbers the last several weeks. None of this was set up correctly. No sump, no QT, recently purchased an HOB skimmer in addition to our original canister. The funds are not there for a proper do-over. That all being said....
I think we now have velvet after adding a new fish. QT tank is on the "to-do" list, but we jumped the gun (for the last time!) The new fish appeared to develop ich which got really thick really quick. LTS gave me metro and Dr. G's anti-parasitic frozen food (they were out of focus for the metro). New fish appears to be greatly improved (started before meds) but our hippo is covered. All 3 clowns also, two of which have gone missing, so I'm assuming dead and eaten at this point.
We've discussed the following and I'd like ideas and opinions (that don't include making me feel really bad if possible D
...
Getting a 10g for QT (like, today). Outfit it with a hob filter and small powerhead, and use water from our DT (numbers are still good, can post after work). We'd use this to put the frags and anemone in so we can treat the DT and try to save the sailfin and goby and hippo if it makes it. I don't think there is hope for the last clown. Snails and crabs should go to QT as well?
As far as treating the outbreak in the DT, I'm gathering copper is the best bet? We're discussing a significant water change as well and a thorough vacuuming of the sand bed. I don't think there is anything we can do specifically with the rock to help clear the infection, I think a fw dip would be mostly ineffective?
I appreciate your knowledge and experience. Keeping this thing going during this max-stress time has actually been a saving grace for me and I'm now in love with the hobby. Spouse has mentioned hanging it up but I really think we can recover from this... if it's done as right as can be. Thanks!
Add: Another forum suggested getting a 20g QT and moving the fish instead to avoid copper treatment in the DT. What is the feasibility of housing three fish in a 20g for 2 months, and will that allow for a die off of the parasite in the DT without treating with copper? Hippo is about 3 inches, sailfin around 4, and the goby is probably 5. (They're currently in a 75 with upgrade plans for late summer).
I think we now have velvet after adding a new fish. QT tank is on the "to-do" list, but we jumped the gun (for the last time!) The new fish appeared to develop ich which got really thick really quick. LTS gave me metro and Dr. G's anti-parasitic frozen food (they were out of focus for the metro). New fish appears to be greatly improved (started before meds) but our hippo is covered. All 3 clowns also, two of which have gone missing, so I'm assuming dead and eaten at this point.
We've discussed the following and I'd like ideas and opinions (that don't include making me feel really bad if possible D
...Getting a 10g for QT (like, today). Outfit it with a hob filter and small powerhead, and use water from our DT (numbers are still good, can post after work). We'd use this to put the frags and anemone in so we can treat the DT and try to save the sailfin and goby and hippo if it makes it. I don't think there is hope for the last clown. Snails and crabs should go to QT as well?
As far as treating the outbreak in the DT, I'm gathering copper is the best bet? We're discussing a significant water change as well and a thorough vacuuming of the sand bed. I don't think there is anything we can do specifically with the rock to help clear the infection, I think a fw dip would be mostly ineffective?
I appreciate your knowledge and experience. Keeping this thing going during this max-stress time has actually been a saving grace for me and I'm now in love with the hobby. Spouse has mentioned hanging it up but I really think we can recover from this... if it's done as right as can be. Thanks!
Add: Another forum suggested getting a 20g QT and moving the fish instead to avoid copper treatment in the DT. What is the feasibility of housing three fish in a 20g for 2 months, and will that allow for a die off of the parasite in the DT without treating with copper? Hippo is about 3 inches, sailfin around 4, and the goby is probably 5. (They're currently in a 75 with upgrade plans for late summer).
