The best method for introducing new fish is to start them off in the
QT. Transfering the new fish to the
QT after a problem is noticed is generally too late. Once a parasite becomes large enough to notice it also means there is a high probability the parasite will have also left the fish to reproduce which means the display can/will have become infested as well.
The "on again, off again" instances will indicate
C. irritans moreso than anything else and in this case an assumption you should stick with until proven otherwise.
MiniReef2004 said:
So here is my treatment plan:
1 Ph and temp balanced
FW dip
Since the fish is already in the
QT I would not suggest this. It will greatly stress an already stressed fish. Once in the
QT where it can be properly treated it is also not necessary. The only benefit would have been if the fish was heavily infested and the dip was meant as a temporary relief while a proper treatment was implemented.
2 Slow drip acclimation to display tank
Leave the fish in the
QT. I would not suggest transfering it back until you are 100% sure there is no parasite present. Typically with new fish they should be quarantined for 3-4 weeks
prior to placing in the display tank.
3 Carefully observe Cosmo and tankmates for any signs of disease.
Definately do this. Since the new fish has been in the display tank, there is a large chance anything the clown was carrying has been transfered. If so,
all the fish will need to
Qt'd and treated.
4 Raise temp from 81 to 84
Myth. Raising the temp will do nothing to help the situation. It will only increase the rate in which the parasite multiplies and without a treatment in place can hamper your efforts. It also has an effect of the
ph of the fish's blood which raises it slowing/supressing the fishs' natural immune response.
5 Introduce cleaner shrimp
Decorative shrimp will not cure a fish of a parasite problem and are not a means to and end. They can only aid the fish in removing visible parasites if that. They will do nothing in terms of removing the parasite problem from the tank.
6 Cycle and maintain the
qt.
This is always a good idea but not completely necesssary unless stocking a new tank and you will be adding a series of fish over a short time. Placing a
HOB or corner sponge filter in the main tank for about a week to seed it with necessary nitrifying bacteria would help. Until then, I would just monitor the levels in the
QT and do the needed water changes with well aerated aged
SW as needed. If you add the seeded filter, the levels will subside soon.
FWIW, hyposalinity is not stressful to fish at all when done properly and if indeed
C. irritans is the problem should be the first choice in treatement. I would also suggest you never place anything from the main tank into the
QT or vise versa. Meds and whatever problem you are treating will be transfered quite easily. Instead use short pieces of
PVC piping for the fish to hide and feel secure. Before/if you begin a treatment, remove the rock and let it sit in a bucket of
SW with a
PH for about a month. I would not leave it in the
QT nor would I place it back in the display at this point.
Cheers
Steve
