coffeejunkie33
Member
Again from a friend that's been doing this for over 20 years. This is what my email contained about what to do when you have diseased fish.
Parasites
There are two ways to know that your fish have parasites. Very tiny white spots and when the fish scratches on the rock.
The first is somewhat easy to cure. If the tank does not have any other medications, especially copper, then try Marine Max by Tropical Science. It's a biological additive that's 100% reef safe and does not alter water quality. In the case of sever infestation, the entire 2 part bottle can be added. (Shut off UV sterilizers, remove carbon and minimize protein skimmer use. You can use filter pad particle filters but do not use micron filters.) If you use Marine Max on a weekly basis (add a small equal squirt from each bottle), it works even better as a preventative. Green-X is almost reef safe - shrimp suffer or die - but it is an alternative for parasites. Follow directions exactly.
When a fish scratches itself against rocks or gravel, it is usually a parasite attached on or near its gills. Marine Max often works but in some cases the little critters may be more persistent.
Here a fresh water bath works well.
Using a plastic bag or baggie, add a quart or more of water but be sure it is sufficient for a sick fish to swim upright. Add and mix one half teaspoon of baking soda (Arm and Hammer) to raise the pH to 8.3. Then let the bag float in your tank until the temperature matches your tank. Net the fish and put him in the fresh water for 3 to 3.5 minutes. Time this - do not guess. The fish will not like this and smaller fish will like it much less than larger ones. If your fish manages to swim a little when you disturb him (from the outside of the bag) he is handling the bath OK. When time is up, tip the bag over and release the fish and the water. Release him early if you get really worried.
Parasites
There are two ways to know that your fish have parasites. Very tiny white spots and when the fish scratches on the rock.
The first is somewhat easy to cure. If the tank does not have any other medications, especially copper, then try Marine Max by Tropical Science. It's a biological additive that's 100% reef safe and does not alter water quality. In the case of sever infestation, the entire 2 part bottle can be added. (Shut off UV sterilizers, remove carbon and minimize protein skimmer use. You can use filter pad particle filters but do not use micron filters.) If you use Marine Max on a weekly basis (add a small equal squirt from each bottle), it works even better as a preventative. Green-X is almost reef safe - shrimp suffer or die - but it is an alternative for parasites. Follow directions exactly.
When a fish scratches itself against rocks or gravel, it is usually a parasite attached on or near its gills. Marine Max often works but in some cases the little critters may be more persistent.
Here a fresh water bath works well.
Using a plastic bag or baggie, add a quart or more of water but be sure it is sufficient for a sick fish to swim upright. Add and mix one half teaspoon of baking soda (Arm and Hammer) to raise the pH to 8.3. Then let the bag float in your tank until the temperature matches your tank. Net the fish and put him in the fresh water for 3 to 3.5 minutes. Time this - do not guess. The fish will not like this and smaller fish will like it much less than larger ones. If your fish manages to swim a little when you disturb him (from the outside of the bag) he is handling the bath OK. When time is up, tip the bag over and release the fish and the water. Release him early if you get really worried.
