ick infested cave?

[ToddinAtl]

Hi all,
I've started a couple of threads on an ick issue. I can't seem to get rid of this stuff permanetly. It seems to come and go within a few days. Only 1 fish has it and none of the others show any signs. The Regal Tang that has it off / on has been going through this for a couple of weeks now. I started treating it with garlic soaked foods. At this time I had only noticed 3 spots. The ick didn't spread but didn't go away either. I started using Tetra's medicated food. The ick disappeared after only 4 days of use, but I continued use for the entire recommended days. The last day is today.

I've noticed since Thursday the ick seems to be coming back. It is worse in the morning and almost undetectable in the evening. (I realize rubbing against the rock and the cleaner shrimp are helping this, but the differance is dramatic.)This tang has it's own cave that no other fish go in. Is it possible that the cave is infested? The fish shows no health problems (eats like crazy, plays all day, doesn't hide) other than the ick which is visually horrible in the mornings.

Is it going to be possible to stop this cycle without quarintine? I have corals so copper is out. Has anyone else experienced an infested cave? I'm hesitant to put a power head directly in the cave and spread the ick around (if this is possible)...sorry I'm at a loss and looking for an end to this.
Thanks,
Todd

 

[fish_who?]

I can remember when I got my regal. Love the little guy (well not so little now). These fish are so prone to ich everyone worries. I only have softies in my tank, not too sure if my suggestion will cause any harm to any hard corals. I did a little research when I had it and picked up a large bottle of Kick-ich. It took about 3 weeks of constant usage, as the bottle says, but it cleared it up with no effect on my inverts or corals. If you don't have a hospital tank you can put the regal in I would suggest trying this.

Here is a link to the place where I got it. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/thestore/prods/KICK-ICH1.html

If you do try it drop me a line and tell me how it worked out for you.

 

[Tremelle]

You may want to look at other factors. What in your tank could be causing your fish stress?

I don't think that ick would be confined to one location in your tank, such as a cave. The water current would move it out over the whole tank.

 

[ToddinAtl]

Thanks fish_who, I'm looking for some kick-ick in the Atlanta area as I'm typing this. Tremelle, I certainly don't see any signs of stress during the day and I randomly check the tank after lights out and haven't seen anything bothering the cave the Regal sleeps in. Do you think it's possible a Mantis or Pistol shrimp has invaded the cave causing stress at night? If so, wouldn't the fish just stay out of the cave? I'm new to this hobby and this has been my first bummer experience, I feel so bad for the Regal cuz it looks horrible in the mornings. Any help would be greatl appreciated for the time I'll get the kick-ick.
Thanks,
Todd