Squareback anthias quarantine

[Joel Schommer]

I am told that squareback anthias cannot handle regular amounts
of cupramine can anybody please tell me the best method for treating this fish for ich and other parasites. Please note these fish do not have ick but want to do it for precautionary reasoning before going into the display tank. Thanks

 

[ngoodermuth]

Unfortunately, anthias don't tolerate CP so copper is your best bet. Chelated copper (Copper Power) may be a bit easier on them than cupramine, but otherwise raising the level very, very slowly (over several days to a week, not the two days the directions on the bottle recommend) will be key. Monitor the copper level closely as you go.

Once you get the level to therapeutic, the next challenge is to keep them eating through treatment. It helps to use the two-QT method, transferring them to a second sterile QT after 14 days of therapeutic copper. That shortens the exposure time. Feed small amounts frequently, and make sure the tank is well aerated and no ammonia present. Even a small amount of ammonia can be problematic for sensitive fish.

 

[Joel Schommer]

Unfortunately, anthias don't tolerate CP so copper is your best bet. Chelated copper (Copper Power) may be a bit easier on them than cupramine, but otherwise raising the level very, very slowly (over several days to a week, not the two days the directions on the bottle recommend) will be key. Monitor the copper level closely as you go.

Once you get the level to therapeutic, the next challenge is to keep them eating through treatment. It helps to use the two-QT method, transferring them to a second sterile QT after 14 days of therapeutic copper. That shortens the exposure time. Feed small amounts frequently, and make sure the tank is well aerated and no ammonia present. Even a small amount of ammonia can be problematic for sensitive fish.

Thank you