Ick and garlic

[RothChyld]

Many people have problems with powder blue tangs. My tang is about 3 or so years old in my tank and never had a problem with ich. I have done 2 things. (1) Have a cleaner shrimp on hand and (2) feed using Garlic.

Also there HAVE been posts that once a fish had ich, they fed it garlic. It did in fact clear up. I am not saying that will happen every time and I am sure some scientist can prove many things but I have never had ich in my tank on anything.

 

[christen51]

Has anyone used the suppose "reef safe" treatments like Kick-ick?

Hi Tab64, I have.
By now you may have performed the fresh water dip, yes? Do share.

I'd like to share this with you and the others, although not about the garlick, I have had success using the Tropical Sciences product called Marine-Max.
It cleared up an outbreak if ICK on my Coral Beauty. Twice.
I have a FOWLR, but the label says OK for Fish and Invertebrates.
Get a second opinion, of course.
It is a 2 part liquid, first is Probiotic, second is Antioxidants, Reef safe, $20. Yes, you treat the Main Tank. It protects the other fish.
You use it every two days during an infestation. 15 ml for 60 gallons. It is a live culture that attacks the parasites. My bottle lasted 7 months.
Google: Tropical Sciences Marine Max for more.

My LFS has it, and I used it on their recommendation.
At another LFS the owner had no personal experience but 'thought' she had heard mixed reviews on effectiveness, and she did not carry the product. My experience is positive, because it cured the fish twice.

I was skeptical at first but observed less ICK within 2 days, and completely gone after a week as best I remember. Also to be used at lesser concentration when adding fish or doing water changes or anything that can stress your fish out.

I've read that fish can carry the parasites in a dormant state in their gills.
I have a wonderful Cleaner Shrimp, and he will climb aboard a fish and inspect, it is fun to see. I recommend a cleaner shrimp, for sure!
My LFS said that many little changes like in lighting, temp, feeding, pH, can spawn an outbreak.

I have had to break down my live rock structure before, to catch a Damsel, and its no fun. Once the fish see the net, they freak!!!
This product is worth a try if you can find it in time.

In January I will add a Hippo Tang to my tank after QT, I wish you luck with your Powder Blue.

I'm hoping my comments about Marine-Max will find someone else in agreement for you, especially Coral Keepers.
~Dennis
55gal @11 Months, Coral Beauty, FireFish, ClownFish, 6Line Wrasse, Green Chromis, Cleaner Shrimp, Sand Sifting Star, FeatherDusters, &CleanUpCrew.