Lost my entire stock to Ich with the exception of 1 fish. My Yellow Tang who
showed the same signs as your Hippo Tang. Covered in white spots with cloudy
eyes. Out of desperation I bought a 15w UV sterilizer and attached it to the
system (major PITA since plumbing is not exactly my thing).

Dude I have never seen this fish look better. Within 24 hours he showed big
signs of improvement. Within 48 hours he was ich free and looking
outrageous. Now he is strong, fins way up, and feeding like a madman. Not to
mention the water is crystal clear like I've never seen it. I plan to keep
the UV running 24/7 for another week or two and then go to 8 hour a day
shifts with it.

The sterilizer kills free swimming bacteria and parasites not the ones on
the fish. But as they fall off the fish to do their reproductive thing, they
get sucked into the filter and passed through the sterilizer. I know I've
read that UV effectiveness is minimal at best, but IMO and experience it
saved the fish from the same death as his mates and other aquarists that I
talk to tell me that their system with UV lights in the mix run for years
problem free.

I did read that UV's under 15w are not effective against parasites.

Hope this was a little help because I totally feel your pain.


"larap" wrote in message
...
4 days ago my hippo tang developed what appeared to be ick after being in
my
reef tank for almost 6 months. She is now quarintined with her tank mate,
a
percula clown fish who has showed no signs of infestation. Initially I did
a
freshwater bath and placed them in a small tank with a
cooper/formalin/malchite mix to treat them. On day 2 the hippo tang looked
better and was feeding. Suddenly on day 4 the hippo is now covered with
what
appears to be ick and now also has clouded eyes, the percula looks fine.
What am I doing wrong? Urgent help needed! I really want to save this
fish.
Thanks to anyone who can offer suggestions.