Cryptocaryon outbreak

[foxmulder]

I think I have a case of Cryptocaryon in my reef tank. My flame angel has two white spots on the caudal fin and my yellow tang has one on the dorsal fin and one on its body. I've also seen them scratch against objects in the tank. Apart from this, they seem ok (they are eating, swimming normally ... the angel is even chasing the other fish as usual ). The other fish in the tank show no signs of illness.

I've talked to the guys at the LFS and they said that, since it is a mild case, I don't have to take the fish out and treat them. They said that the cleaner shrimp can take care of the white spots and that taking the fish out for treatment can cause a lot of stress to them and make things worse.

What do you think I should do?

Do you know of any treatment method that I could apply in the reef tank and not kill my inverts? I've read about Ruby Reef Kick-Ich and Chem-Marin Stop Parasites. Are they any good?

Thanks!

[ToddTT]

My vote would be to take them out ASAP.

Have you read this yet?

Curing Fish of Marine Ich

How many fish do you have?

Do you have a QT?

[foxmulder]

I have 7 fish.

No, I don't have a QT.

[zhenya]

I don't believe you can really erradicate your tank of the parasite without removing all of the fish and going fallow for at least 6 weeks. Otherwise the cycle will continue forever(or until all fish die) untill you can break it by removing the host.

[ToddTT]

I have 7 fish.

No, I don't have a QT.

If you're serious about the hobby, it's a no-brainer. A QT will help you out time and time again, starting with this ich outbreak.

IMHO, I'd recommend:

A cheap 20 or 30 gallon tank.

An AquaClear hang on filter. Model 50 or 70. They have adjustable flow, and a flexible design for using any kind of filter media.

aquaclear 50 - find the lowest price - compare prices at more than 100 aquarium stores

Some egg crate for a cheap canopy, or a simple glass canopy.

A few pieces of PVC... tees work well, they don't roll around as much.

A cheap heater.


Make sure to follow the instructions in the ich sticky previously mentioned.


This is the only choice for true peace of mind, and to get rid of the ich in your system for good.

It will also protect your tank from all future purchases, which will get to spend time in your QT before they get a shot at life in your display tank.

Good luck.

[foxmulder]

Seems that, in the mean time, the white spots have disappeared. I looked very carefully.
What should I do?

[ToddTT]

Seems that, in the mean time, the white spots have disappeared. I looked very carefully.
What should I do?

Prepare for the worst. Read up on reasons for having a QT, and start putting one together. Start looking for sales on tanks, filters, heaters, etc.

Read up on ich, and decide what treatment you would use if needed. Stock your medicine cabinet so you're ready.

You will then be ready for the worst, and ready down the road to QT all new purchases.

[ToddTT]

Curing Fish of Marine Ich

Stocking the Marine Fish Medicine Cabinet

A Fish Quarantine Process

[foxmulder]

Ok. Thanks again!