Well, I am using the unconventional method of treating within the tank. The Stop Parasite medicine does not kill the parasites per say, but does the following: It gives the fish a slimy coating so that the parasites cannot stay attached and slide off, it also provides a false nutrition supply because the parasites are attracted to it, but it gives them no nutritional value, so some will die this way; finally, the particles of the Stop Parasite float around in the tank and the parasites attach to them and then in the process get skimmed away by the protein skimmer. So, this is one of those medications that pretty much rely on the protein skimmer to rid your tank of the parasites. Most meds kill them or the newborn stage of them, but this actually removes them. I am also treating with Melafix, which is also reef safe. I have spent much time talking with the creator of Stop Parasite and he is actually apposed to the quarantining process or Hypo due to the fact that removing a fish from the home is has gotten used to brings on a lot of stress, increasing its susceptibility to illness. Then once you have it quarantined and have gotten it all better, which can be several weeks, and it has settled in to its new home, you go through the process of plunking it back into the main tank, where it feels a bit out of the pecking order, or has lost its hiding places, etc., and the stress hits again, thereby again, making it susceptible once again. On top of that, the other fish also may become stressed by the removal and return of the sick fish. Anyhow, this is the theory behind the Stop Parasite and not quarantining. The owner said he never quarantines, even new arrivals, but just treats with Stop Parasite and Melafix and has not lost a fish yet. He also stated that he sells his product worldwide and his customers do not lose fish either. After removing a sick fish to my quarantine tank and having it die overnight while at the same time keeping one sick fish in the tank and treating from there and having it survive, I have decided to try this rather unconventional method. I will keep this site posted on the health of my fish. So, I guess I have to continue my method with the protein skimmer until I am sure my sick fish are healthy. My tang, the one I left in the main tank, is doing so well. It just has some skin healing to do and I am continuing treatment for infection with the Melafix. But it is active and eating and it was near death about a week ago. When I stopped treating with the Stop Parasite for her, I realized a few days later that my clown had some on it, so that is why I am still treating. I will go another 3 days and reassess their health. Thanks again for the help.
Bev  |