Ick, hyposalinity, and other mistakes...

[Jschier]

Agreed, if the ich isn't affecting the fish (strong immune systems) then leave it as is. Something I just learned about ich, if left alone (zero additions to the tank) it will die off after 11 months. It is good to have 2 tanks as it gives you options when issues arise (I have 4). Best of luck and be sure to research every purchase before walking out of the store, good call on the tang.

[Myka]

Asylumdown give you great advice, I agree. Keep in mind that Ich (note proper spelling lol) is kinda like a fish version of human influenza - most people/fish get it occasionally, and it's usually overcome by healthy individuals. I would take Asylumdown's advice and sit back to watch the tank for awhile.

Imo, attempting to make a tank completely Ich free is fairly easily accomplished by following a 12 week quarantine with hyposalinity and keeping the tank fallow for that time, plus same quarantine for incoming fish. I don't think it is something that is that imperative, and 12 weeks is a long time. Do I think it is worth it for a Biocube? No. Do I think it is worth it if you're setting up a big tank and planning a bunch of very expensive (and usually less common) fish? Yeah, that might be a good idea. Do many people do it? I can only think of a couple people I know that follow this VERY strictly.

Imo, there is no Angelfish nor any Tang that would be suitable for a Biocube - they all get too big and too aggressive, so it's tough luck that the Angelfish was returned. If the tank hums along without a hitch for 3-4 weeks, consider adding a small fish like a Shrimp Goby (with a cool pistol shrimp) or one of the small species of Blenny like a Tailspot, Pictus, or Tiger. Not one of the big Blennies like the Lawnmower or Bicolor.

I like hyposalinity in quarantine for new fish. I do not recommend it as a means of treatment since hypo doesn't work fast enough for a serious Ich infection, and I don't recommend treating mild Ich infections, so that leaves a moot point there. I also don't like copper treatment - for anything. Chloroquine phosphate is a much easier and safer method of treatment in place of copper, although more difficult to obtain (purchase ahead of time!).

[Scuba Diver Gal]

Thanks everyone. By the way I knew how to spell ich but every time I spelt it correctly my mac would autocorrect to "icy"…so I left it at ick to avoid having to go back and change it.

My 2 clowns and purple fire fish are still fine. Eating and acting completely normal. We still have this quarantine tank so before we add anything else we will quarantine them. Should have done this in the first place.

I guess my biggest concern at this point is how to avoid bringing any ich into my new tank. Do I set up the new tank with new LR and then drop the salinity in the biocube and let those fish stay in there for 12 weeks and then bring them over? My son has an eye on a new tank (only 2 months in and he's already wanting to upgrade)…Assuming then that after the 8-12 weeks of low salinity that the live rock in the cube also would not have any ich still alive in it?

This is confusing to make this transition and avoid making any mistakes like we have already made Thanks again everyone!