Achilles Tang has Ich

[Anonymous]

The fish was quarantined for over a month before I added it to the tank. Over the past week the fish has developed a bad case of ich. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't think it is possible for me to catch the fish. It is eating mysis and seaweed. The tank is a full blown reef with lots of corals and anemones. Any help would be great. Its been a long time since I had Ich problems.

 

[kevindub]

Garlic didn't work for me but some say it works. There isn't much you can do if you can't catch it. Keep it calm and fed and it should heal. I will be pulling for your fish.

 

[Anonymous]

Garlic didn't work for me but some say it works. There isn't much you can do if you can't catch it. Keep it calm and fed and it should heal. I will be pulling for your fish.

I've been feeding garlic to the fish for years. Seems to keep em healthier. Who knows if it really works.

 

[leftovers]

Many times a fish will just have ich no matter how long you quarantine. The best way to deal with it is keep lights low for a few days, make sure its not being harassed by other fish and feed feed feed. A well fed fish and a fish that's eating well is more likely to rebound and shed the ich quickly.

So be patient and watch the tank to make sure the stress level is as low as you can make it. Achilles and hippo tangs live to have ich so dont be too upset, im betting the animal is once again stressed just from being in a new environment.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Anonymous]

^Interesting point about keeping the lights low. I'd never heard of that. What's the reasoning/science behind it?

 

[leftovers]

Keeping the lights low can reduce the stress...fish tend to hide in rock and tend to not panic/attack newcomers etc. as they acclimate to new environment.

 

[Anonymous]

Covering the main viewing panel of the tank can do the same thing.

Snailman, got any cleaners? (Shrimp would be my first choice if the fish is 4" or larger)