Quote Originally Posted by Woden
Is there no other way for the ich prob? Don't get me wrong , I will do what ever I have to. I have always wanted a reef aquarium and I am determined to learn/do all that I have to so the tank will thrive. I'm just not sure I will get the "go-a-head" from my fiance to spend the $$ on the hospital tank and equipment without looking at all the options.
There are other methods, but just about everything has copper in it, even the smallest trace amount can wipe out your reef inhabitants completely. Chemical treatments are seldom a good option, remember the golden rule, the only things that happen fast in a SW tank is BAD things.

As far as the purchasing stuff goes for the hypo treatment, all you really need is a clean tank, and a powerhead to circulate the water, and a heater if needed to hold temp constant. You will be doing a lot of water changes to drop the SG, then continue doing changes at the same SG throughout the treatment, and then the changes to raise it back up to normal. Watch your feedings so as not to overfeed and you shouldn't have any troubles.

A refractometer would be a wise purchase if you don't have one yet, since you will be making some radical changes to the salinity, and they need to be pretty specific using those swing arm hydrometers is a serious gamble. (they run about $35 for a decent one and they'll last you a very long time with care).

Quote Originally Posted by Woden
I read on another site that garlic could help = soaking the food in garlic or adding garlic powder? This same site mentioned something about an addative that is reef safe. If this is junk info then I will get the hospital tank set up tomorrow.
Again, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for all of the help!
Soaking food in garlic before feeding can sometimes help encourage your fish to eat, it will not have any real effect in ich, other than boosting the fish's immune system as he's eating.

Hope this helps, and keep us updated on your progress... As Angel mentioned if you treat this way, follow through the entire process, you can't cut time off because things look 'ok', or you will find yourself back where you started.

Everyone recommends using a Qurantine Tank to house new fish for the first 4-6 weeks before adding them to your display, even though many who offer the advice don't always follow it (we're guilty of it). But at least you'll have one to consider using it again.