Any advice welcome...

[gecmom]

I recently lost a black clown and coral beauty to ich. It's my first experience with it so I think I reacted too slowly. I have a 16g w/ live rock and sand, a couple of feather dusters and a handful of crabs and snails. All have been living peacefully together for about 4 months. I think the problem started when I introduced a boxfish about a month ago--he only lasted 3 days but they all seemed to get along fine. My fish guy says my water quality is good but now I have a fishless tank. I started with a reef safe ich remedy. Should I continue the treatment before adding anything new, and does anyone have any thoughts on what may have made them sick? Thanks,

[roka64]

Stress maybe, those three fish shouln't be in that small of a tank. Your best bet is to leave the tank fallow for at least 6-7 weeks. I would fire your fish guy too and ask around this site before you spend more money on what they want you to buy for a stock list.
By the way, a boxfish will/can nuke your tank if stressed or killed.
Also, I am not aware of a boxfish that should be in a tank smaller than a 50-70G tank (at least not off the top of my head).
How old is the tank?
What are your actual water parameters?

[gecmom]

PH 8.0
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0
SG 1.024
The tank is about 5 month old.
I know about the boxfish--I need to learn to say no to my seven year old! She thought it was soooo cute. The box has been gone for about 2 weeks now. Would it generally take that long for the others to get stressed out?

[roka64]

Oh I forgot, welcome to the site!
Your "my tanks" says an 8G tank....
I have seen fish get stressed and die within 1 day, so to answer your question, yes.
Here is a link that may give you some better stocking options:
Nano Fish

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. I also would leave the tank fishless for 6-8 weeks. Read this for more info on ick.

Marine Ich/Cryptocaryon irritans - A Discussion of this Parasite and the Treatment Options Available, Part I by Steven Pro - Reefkeeping.com

Marine Ich/Cryptocaryon irritans - A Discussion of this Parasite and the Treatment Options Available, Part II by Steven Pro - Reefkeeping.com

[gecmom]

Thanks for your help. I do have an 8g with a clown and royal grammar who have been doing well for over a year. I started up the 16g about 5 months ago. Should I continue with the ich treatment while the tank is empty of fish. The snails, crabs and feather dusters are still in there. Thanks again,

[roka64]

I would run carbon and stop the meds, keep the tank fallow, just add a pinch of food twice a week to feed your other critters and more importantly, to keep the beneficial bacteria alive.