Ich

[sharkboy]

I read the previous topic on how to help the tang get over it. However, my question is if it is OK to leave in my refugium. Will it transmit it to the other fish?

[Enigma13]

I would not think that keeping him in the refugium would be any different than leaving him in the main display tank since the water is cycling through the whole system. The parasite will just be able to spread throughout the whole system. However, sometimes with a good feeding regime and limiting stress you can prevent an outbreak even with the parasite in the system. Unless you were going to treat I would probably leave him where he is to limit stress, but I know that others have different outlooks on ich.

[sharkboy]

Thanks. I hope the other fishes have a better defense.

[Bill S]

As noted above, if they are connected, you might as well have it in the main tank - unless it's LESS stressed in the fuge.

[sharkboy]

It doesn't seem to be a voracious eater right now. So I think I am going to keep it in the refugium so that it doesn't have to compete for food.

[Enigma13]

You mention that it is not eating voraciously. Are you adding garlic to the food? While I will not try to claim that it is the miracle cure, one thing I think that is undisputed is that it will be a great attractant and encourage eating. As you know, that alone can promote health.

[Richard]

You might also try using beta-glucan, another immuno stimulant which is supposed to help fishes immune system. I know I have read some studies on it but can't find the links on it. You could either buy it and add to the food or use a fish food that already has it in it such as formula I & II flake food. OceanRider.com has a food supplement called Vibrance which has, among other things, beta-glucan in it or you might find some at health food stores.

[sharkboy]

Well, the saga continues....the purple tang looks like is gettig rid of ich but now my butterfly fish and flame angel have it. The green chromis, six line wrasse, and clown fishes don't have it yet. I will keep feeding them throughout the day. Any other suggestions?

[Bill S]

This CAN go on for weeks... Just hang in there. Keep feeding.

[Mr_Cool]

I have a yellow tang that was getting picked on by an atlantic blue tang in my sump right now. He developed some ich, but after a few days, it seems to have cleared up. He is definately less stressed in the sump than he was in the main tank, though. I, too, was worried about spreading to other tank inhabitants. But, luckily, I havn't had any other problems.