Does garlic xtreme really work ?

[idgy]

Well one of my fish has ick. I read so many different things.
Lower the salinity, don't lower the salinity. Raise temp, don't raise temp.
Very frustrating all the different opinions on what works and what doesn't work.

So I was wondering about garlic xtreme. Thanks

 

[NanaReefer]

Garlic increases a fishes appetite, which usually wanes when sick. Keeping a fish eating helps it fight off illness.
Once the ICH parasite enters your DT it is there for good unless something is done to get rid of it. Starving it out is the best of methods. Which means allowing your tank to fallow (no fish in tank) for 8-10 weeks.
Raising temp speeds up the gestation period of the parasite. Lowering salinity can kill parasite but is very time consuming.
As for treating a fish with ICH. IMO it is best to remove fish to a hospital tank, treat with a copper treatment. Do not put fish back until the DT has fallowed.

 

[Rea17]

Good info from NanaReefer - I think the main reason garlic is confused with being a direct "cure" is because it triggers a feeding response in fish, and that extra food is going to strengthen the immune system. Sometimes a fish will stop displaying symptoms altogether, but the important fact of the matter is, ich will be in your tank until you perform a fallow period and starve it out.

Raising the temperature is a method used for freshwater ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), which is completely different than saltwater ich (Cryptocaryon irritans). There is some evidence that raising the temperature too much can cause ich to go into a dormant stage, prolonging your fallow period. Also, lowering the salinity must be done carefully and to a very specific level (1.008-1.009).

I agree with Nana that copper is a good method, Cupramine is the product of choice for those of us that use it. It is less harsh on the fish and sensitive fish don't react as badly to it. Carefully follow the directions and test copper and ammonia levels daily while treating. Chloroquine Phosphate is rising in popularity but is difficult to source sometimes, definitely worth looking into if you feel inclined. Good luck on your fish.

Lee wrote up some great stickies, read through all of them and decide on your course of action.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/quarantine-process-27022/

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/marine-ich-myths-facts-27003/

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/curing-fish-marine-ich-50933/

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/hyposalinity-treatment-process-27155/

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/copper-treatment-use-problems-27005/

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Well one of my fish has ick.

Correction, all your fish have Ich, one is so bad off that you can easily observe it. Time to cure the fish with Hypo-salinity or copper and starve out the Ich in the display by leaving it fish free for a couple months

 

[idgy]

Well now I feel like the bad parent. I don't have a qt tank, not sure I have the funds to start one but what are the basic needed for one? All fish come out, what about shrimps, feather dust etc

 

[Rea17]

All of your inverts can be left in the display tank - they won't survive medication and marine Ich only targets fish.

This is a mistake we've all made, some sooner than others. A quarantine tank can be very basic (and cheap!). Depending on how many fish you have and what type, you could get away with something pretty small with a hang on filter, small powerhead, airstone, and PVC for hiding places. It's helpful to have a sponge filter seeded in the sump of the display to transfer nitrifying bacteria to the QT.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Well now I feel like the bad parent. I don't have a qt tank, not sure I have the funds to start one but what are the basic needed for one? All fish come out, what about shrimps, feather dust etc

Not bad parent, parent with sick pets. Inverts are all fine.
Can even use a pvc storage container though less than optimum as best to be able to view all the fish.

 

[reefman069]

Garlic xtreme does work. Ias soon as you notice your fish trying to rub on things.you should start useing garlic extremely. I put many drips of it on there food. Letvit soak in. Do that every time you feed your fish. I have beaten Rich twice now. I need to learn not to take free fish from people. Lol

 

[NC2WA]

I need to learn not to take free fish from people

nothing wrong with this, as long as you QT them for 4-6 wks....the operative word here is QT.

 

[reefman069]

well not everyone has a qt tank. i know i dont have one

 

[Rea17]

Garlic DOES NOT work, so don't perpetuate misinformation by saying it does. Quarantines are a small investment and well worth it.

 

[idgy]

How do u setup a QT tank? Doesn't the tank have to cycle? I don't have one setup and to let the tank cycle would not help the fish now. I am confused.

 

[Rea17]

It doesn't, which is why you need to constantly monitor your ammonia levels.

 

[NC2WA]

idgy,

the first link Ami provided, A Quarantine Process talks about this...

I would read it at least twice to understand it...

 

[Rea17]

Thanks for posting that again NC2WA.

Idgy, there are a ton of basic smalli tanks on Craigslist if you need to find something cheap in a hurry. Petco has that dollar a gallon sale from time to time too. Keep us posted!

 

[idgy]

Nc2WA THANKS! That was the kind of info I was looking for. Have the tank cleaning it now with white vinegar! Thanks all!

 

[idgy]

Can anyone recommend a really good copper med?

 

[Rea17]

Cupramine. Keep in mind copper dosed water will often read false ammonia levels. Seachem has an ammonia alert badge that is supposed to be compatible.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Can anyone recommend a really good copper med?

Cupramine is fine. Using copper requires having a matching test kit to the medication.

Seachem. Cupramine

 

[NC2WA]

idgy,

Everything you want to know about copper is here:

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/copper-treatment-use-problems-27005/