Royal Gramma in QT - Brook? - Formalin Questions

[sixty4tw]

Hello,

It's been a tough week for this newcomer to RC. I lost a newly acquired Flame Hawkfish to what I can only deduce was Brooklynella after only 6 days in the DT. I did LOTS of research and ruled out ICH and velvet (no spots anywhere, and the fish went from normal to dead in less than 48 hours). Sorry I do not have pics...

All the background is in this post:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...9#post19303699

The day after the Flame Hawk succumbed my Royal Gramma stopped eating and showed a very small, whitish patch on the tip of the tail (1/8"). I had already set up a QT so I moved him there yesterday and began treating with Quick Cure (Formalin/Green Malachyte). He seems better today, eating for the first time in about 36 hours.

I have some questions and would appreciate any feedback / suggestions:

How long (days) should I continue the standard Formalin dosage?

When might it be safe to return him to the DT?

My only other fish (tank-bred Ocellaris Clown) is still in the DT, so signs of any illness and eating well. Should I put him in QT as well?

I've read mixed opinions about whther the QT should be sterile or have any bacteria. My setup is sterile (bare tank/PVC pieces/heater/HOB filter with the carbon removed) and I plan on monitoring ammonia levels and doing water changes as needed. Is this enough? I've read that formalin will will kill any useful bacteria anyway. I have some starter bacteria booster (Easy Start). Any benefit to adding this to the QT?

Is it possible that the clown is immune and my DT is still infected with the parasite? Should I run it fishless for a period of time?

Should I keep the salinity slightly lower in the QT? It is at 1.022 (DT is 1.024)

Should I keep the temp lower in the QT? Currently at 78.

Should I consider any other meds to help fight off bacterial infection? (i.e. methylene blue or erythromycin)

Should I also dose QT with a product such as Stress Guard to help the infected fish build up a healthy slime coat?

What is the best food to give during QT period to help boost the immune system? His normal diet was frozen mysis and high quality flake.

I would really appreciate your help. If I can save the Royal Gramma and be rid of the infection it will make the loss of the other fish a little more bearable.

Thank you!