[tmkx3]

I have been treating with coppersafe for about 4 weeks now(for ick). This morning one of my green chromis didn't come up to eat. He is hiding and when he swims he seems to sink. Is this a reaction to the copper? Should I remove it and stop treatment? I haven't seen ant ick spots since the third day of treatment but my tang has been rubbing a little. I think maybe the copper is starting to bother him. Is 3 and a half weeks long enough to have killed the ick?

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND's NEWEST FORUM! Sorry it was trouble that brought you here.

Treating with copper is treating with a fish poison. The trick is to maintain its concentration low enough so the fish don't die and yet high enough to kill the target microbe/parasite. This control has to be by the aquarist taking regular copper concentration readings. The test kit has to be the one recommended by the medication manufacturer AND the manufacturer has to tell you what the concentration range is, according to that test kit.

A fish in copper treatment often stops eating. Copper is a stressful treatment. That is one reason I don't like the use of CopperSafe. The manufacturer (Mardel) suggests it be used for a full month. No way! :slap:

I prefer hyposalinity for Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) treatment. But when I have to use a copper, I use and prefer Cupramine. Safer and gentler and useful in even half the recommended concentration. With Cupramine you only have to use it for 14 days.

I think that the copper is affecting your fishes, like you think. I would recommend stopping the copper treatment by doing the following: Perform a large water change (can you do a 70% or more water change?). After the change, start up some fresh carbon, a Poly Filter, or copper absorbing material (or all the above!).

Most likely the Marine Ich has be eradicated. But unless you've been monitoring the copper level, there is no sure way of telling right now. Time will tell. While you're holding and watching the fish for confirmation they are cured, I would obtain some Cupramine (by Seachem) and their copper test kit to have on hand in case you have to treat the fish again.

While your fish are recoverying, make sure they are getting the right foods with the correct supplements. See:
Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition

You should also be adding Beta Glucan to their diet while they are recoverying. Beta Glucan is found in (human) health food stores.

Good luck! We're here to help!

[tmkx3]

I have been testing for copper levels(1.5) and I am starting to remove it now. I have an hob w/ bio wheel on the qt. I replaced the cartridge and will start water changes. I have a 10g tank that I can move the chromis to but is not cycled. Will that be more stressful for him? Should I leave him where he is? i don't have a refarctor thats why I am using copper.

[leebca]

It is unclear as to where you've been treating your fish. Are they in the display tank? or are they in a hospital tank?

No copper medication is safe for invertebrates, worms, benthic creatures, etc. so treatment in a display tank is not recommended.

I would leave the Chromis where it is now.

You might want to consider getting a refractometer for general use. They are very accurate and less than $40.

[tmkx3]

My fish are in a 55g qt. Yea I know now about the refractor but when I orginally set-up my tank the lfs said nothing about needing one. As a matter of a fact they don't even have one in the store for their use. I will order one as soon as I can. I have started water changes (10g at a time)I will do one now and tomarrow etc until copper is gone.

[leebca]

Good job!

Good luck!