Dustin Dorton (of ORA) was the one to "publish" the original information on Milbemycin Oxime and it's effect on certain arthropods, which
Tegastes acroporanus (red bugs) happen to be:
The "CURE" for Red Acro Bugs : General Reefkeeping Discussion The recommendation is to use the pill for "Large Dogs, 51-100 punds" (white box). These pills contain 23mg of Milbemycin Oxime. Dustin recommended use of 1 pill per ~380 gallons (or 25mg (0.025 grams) per 10 gallons of actual tank water). Dustin recommended a 6 hour exposure time, followed by a minimum of 25% water change and immediate carbon use (see link above for more).
Later, Eric Borneman did more research on these methods and found many of these little critters would make it through that dosage. He found that dosages exceeding 10X (1 pill per ~38 gallons) the original recommendation of Dustin would NOT harm coral in any way, and since hobbysists have done treatements of 30X+ the original recommendation (although I wouldn't got hat overboard ;)). Borneman did note that time of the exposure had much more to do with total iradication than dosage amount, and noted that 12 hours was sufficient, but as mentioned above, secondary (and possibly third) treatments should ensue to ensure total irradication.
I treated my display once a few years ago, and helped several hobbyists treat theirs as well. I use 10X Dustin's dosage, 1 pill per 38 gallons of water, for 12 hours, followed by 25% water change and use of activated carbon. I repeat 25% water change the next day and replace the carbon. I repeat treatment at least twice, 7-10 days apart. Every time I've done it I have seen some pods survive, but many do die off, so the water changes and carbon is very beneficial.
To answer your original questions:
1.) If using the 10X dose, you'll want to use just shy of 7 pills (6.8 ;)). you would be OK with 6 pills though. Remember you need to
account for actual water volume. If it's a 180 gallon tank, it probably only has about 150 gallons in it based on water line, glass thickness, displacement of water by rock and sand, etc. You want to account for the same in your sump... no sump runs to the rim (or shouldn't), along with the water in your plumbing and equipment (best guess). It doesn't need to be "dead on" as with other medications, but as close as possible is always good.
2.) In your case I would remove your shrimp just to be safe. I have seen shrimp make it, and some not (cleaner shrimp,
Lysmata amboinensis).
3.) I would introduce additional copepods after the treatment.
4.) Not that's worth it in the long run and will garantee their irradication. If you want them gone
for sure, just use Interceptor.
5.) You could do this, but I would leave the tank fallow for at least a month. Treat ALL
Acropora in a seperate tank.
- It will not kill anemones, snails or starfish.
- Make sure to have a powerhead pointing towards the surface of the water to increase oxygenation since your skimmer will be off.
