[crackerkat]

Hello, I'm pretty new here too. I recently added a Hippo Tang to my setup and ever since then i have a a huge prolem with Ick. I used "KICK ICK" and it went away for awhile and came back. Then I used Malachite Green,whick is supposedly reef and invert safe? All my shrimp died along with my choc chip stars and long spine urchin. I went online and read some info about Hypo salinity, to drop the level to .010 and I have, but how long can it stay like that and can it harm my live rock and fish? Please help!!!!

[cplklegg]

Firstly, I'm sorry for your loss, and I have felt your pain. This adventure with the Hippo Tang is why you need a QT tank, so you don't spread parasites/bacteria to your display tank and have mass genocide like you did. Don't worry, we all learn the hard way. I did too. If the ich on your Tang went away for awhile and now is back, chances are this attack is much, much worse, as the ich parasites have multiplied. You'll hear from others too, KICK ICK is worthless and the fact that the parasites "went away for awhile" is probably from the natural life cycle of ICH rather than from the product you used. The best way to get rid of ich is to use Copper. Hypo works too, but stresses the already stressed fish(from the ich) more and chances are will probably kill your Tang if ich has returned for a second round on him. Plus, when you do hypo you should take it down over a few days and take it down to 1.009 otherwise the ich will survive. Basically, you need a QT tank, put any fish in it for 6 to 8 weeks and then if no problems then you can transfer to your display. If you encounter ich then you can dose away in the QT tank without killing off everything else in you display like your former inverts. Hope this helps and sorry to be longwinded. There are many articles concerning ich and fish diseases. Perhaps check out the fish disease forum. Again, sorry for you loss, and good luck and hang in there.