Ick, hyposalinity, and other mistakes...

[Coralgurl]

You remind me of when I first started with sw, and first experience with ich. I panicked, set up a qt and moved 8 fish into that tank. Opted for copper treatment. I think by 3 weeks, I had 2 fish still alive. The stress on those fish, me and my family wasn't worth it anymore so those 2 fish went back in the dt. One lived another few weeks but had developed a lump under its fin. I only have 1 fish out of my originals I started with.

There are nasty diseases out there and for me I've been fortunate I haven't introduced anything serious to my tanks....except parasite worms I'm currently treating. My point is, you are in the beginning stages of this amazing hobby. Everyone here has an opinion on what's right/wrong and must or must not do. What I eventually learned is take what works for you, what you are willing to do and try and how much you want to invest both emotionally and financially.

Quit panicking, ich happens but as already noted, it can be managed with good husbandry. If you are planning a larger tank, learn on the one you have, then use it as a qt tank when ready.

Ask your questions here before heading to the stores. Everyone who starts wants their tanks to look like the ones who've been at it for years, but that's the key, it takes time and the first year is or at least for me, was the hardest.