Ich

[kcfehring]

Okay, I think that my six line wrasse may have ich. This evening for the first time I noticed what looked like little white spots all over her body and fins. This is the first time I have noticed it and I look at all my tank inhabitants many times a day. Right now she is eating fine, is not scratching on rocks, and her eyes are fine. (These are other things that I read may be symptoms of ich)

I am in the process of setting up a hospital tank. Bare bottom, pvc for hideing and hob filter. I have only had this fish for about a week...and no I did not quarentine her. I know you can take me out and flog me later, it can not be any worse than what I have been doing to myself this evening. I always thought that a q/t tank was being a little too paranoid and alot of needless work, however now that I am facing taking down all my rock work to catch the little fish I have a wonderful new view on the whole q/t tank.

So now I have a fes questions.

1. Do I need to do anything to my display tank once I get the fish out? I am sure I will need to do a water change, but do I need to vacuum my sand, scrub rock, put anything in the water? I read that fish that have ich will sometimes rub up agains rocks and that cysts will fall into the sand bed...does something need to be done about that?

2. Would it be best just to give the fish the garlic soaked food and lots of water changes with low salinity or do I need some type of antibiotic or copper or something like that.

3. How is it passed and should I be looking for any other type of symptoms for my other fish?

Thanks