Nate McFin

Just began a treatmen of Coppersafe and Maracyn 2 in my tank. The instructions for Coppersafe say it is ok to use UV light in conjuction.
The Maracyn 2 however makes no comments either way about the affects of UV on treatment.
I have been using the UV for not only the sterilization but for extra aeration as well. Should I switch back to airstones and forego the UV during the treatment of Maracyn or do you think its safe to use? I have not been able to find any info regarding this anywhere and Mardels website leaves ALOT to be desired.
Note- The UV gets much better surface agitation than the stones.
Thanks!

Butterfly

I'm not sure either Nate but to be sure I would turn it off for the short time of treatment.
If I may ask what are you using Coppersafe and Maraycn II for at the same time?
Carol

Nate McFin

Well, to keep it short. (lol)
I found my Cardinals had ICH on April 1st. I tried Salt and heat (up to 86) for quite some time. I then tried a diluted formaldahyde treatment designed for tetras and small fish. Per the bottle you shouldnt treat more than 3 days so I quit using it. Did nothing at all anyway.
Back to Salt and heat with temps again up to 86 for a few more weeks. Got worse.
I then tried Kordons Ich attack for 4 days but when it wasn't getting better and several fish have started showing signs of secondary infection. (not eating, sitting in leaves away from the rest of the group, breathing heavy, pale gills, some open sores)
I decided I was going to treat with Maracyn. Maracyn and Coppersafe are designed to be used together for Ich treatments. On the box of Coppersafe it is actually recommended to use both.
At this point I dont know if I have some strain of Ich that will survive a nuclear blast or if I have misdiagnosed. Maybe velvet? It sure looks like Ich but it doesn't respond to anything! I also have the worlds most wonderful and resilient batch of Cardinals. I have not lost a fish yet despite the ongoing problem with this parasite. They continue to fight and hopefully they will pull through.
The rest of the story can be seen here (I dont want to start another thread about the Ich itself)
http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/fr...-advice-2.html

Regarding the UV- I think leaving it off will be a good idea. Maybe I will try to call Mardel tomorrow to see if they have any info.

Butterfly

Thanks for the answer. I wasn't aware they were suppose to be used together, Good to know.
Haven't had an outbreak of ICH in a long time but I usually hike the temp up to 84F, do frequent water changes and substrate vacuums and leave it for at least 14 days.
Sounds like you've really had an uphill battle. Hang in there
Carol