ICH or Velvet?

[Cozwey]

So I am currently 5 weeks into QT'ing all my remaining fish that were saved from either Ich or Velvet. They are swimming happily along at 1.009 salinity.
I am still not certain which parasite we had. Dusting of white spots like sugar, shallow quick breathing, and death within days with no signs of issues on some fish. I have read much on both issues and have decided I cannot be certain.


So......

Given that the DT has to remain fallow for another 5-7 weeks which will make 10-12 total I still have some questions.

If it was Ich, then I should be ok with my course of treatment.

If it was Velvet, then will this same course of treatment and time frame is fine for the DT but I have not treated the QT for Velvet. Hypo salinity is not effective for this so i am not sure now if I have done the "right thing". I have read the Velvet can withstand hypo so is it safe to say that after 5 weeks in QT and no additional signs of issue that it was ich?

I will begin raising my salinity in the QT today. Yes I am aware that I must go slow (.001/day).

[snorvich]

Well, if they are still swimming, you did not have velvet! Velvet is one that kills quickly.

[Cozwey]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Well, if they are still swimming, you did not have velvet! Velvet is one that kills quickly.

Yes, the two remaining fish from our 120 are healthy and hail. We did lose 13 specimens. It happened over about a week. The initial sign was a brown tang dying for no apparent reason. This was followed by a spot infested clown. From there it went quickly over 4-5 days.

I lean towards it being Ich, but this was our first experience with any decease or parasite.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Cozwey

Yes, the two remaining fish from our 120 are healthy and hail. We did lose 13 specimens. It happened over about a week. The initial sign was a brown tang dying for no apparent reason. This was followed by a spot infested clown. From there it went quickly over 4-5 days.

I lean towards it being Ich, but this was our first experience with any decease or parasite.

Well from the mortality time line you had velvet or brook, more likely the former. Unfortunately (in one perspective) the remaining fish likely have developed immunity (about 5% of fish do develop temporary immunity) but unfortunately they almost certainly still carry the parasite.

[Cozwey]

Hey Steve. I just finished skimming your sticky on Velvet and Brook. I did not see any evidence of mucus on any of my fish. Also there was no dehydration signs. Frankly only two fish showed any signs of an issue. I posted a picture of my clown and was told emphatically that it looked like Ich. It was a black clown.

http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...psd4488165.jpg

If you would look at the photo it may help me to identify what was wrong.

[snorvich]

The picture is definitely ich. The reason I am puzzled is that ich does not kill fish quickly. Ich will come and go (visually) and eventually overwhelm fish over multiple life cycles. Brook is primarily characterized by peeling skin (from dehydration). Uronema is very similar.

[Cozwey]

Thanks Steve. This was my first exposure to any issue like this. I am glad that you are able to clearly establish the issue. Others have as well however, I have come to respect your opinion highly. Thanks.
I am not sure why the other loses did not show outward signs. This was part of why I have been puzzled.

I do fell better knowing that my treatment should be effective.

Ron

[snorvich]

Always a pleasure. Usually I pick up these threads in the Fish Diseases Forum where we try to give each situation best attention. Lots of knowledgeable people there to help.