SPR
Well-Known Member
Yeah. It seems that there are more and more 'reef safe' medications being developed. Maybe the old tried and tested methods (ie. removal of fish into a hospital tank) are in the past? I've just received the Ruby Reef Rally, which says it is a reef safe medication against both Velvet and Flukes, but I haven't tried it. The Reef Rally was yet another example of what happens when the excreta hits the fan. After extensive reading, I thought I'd give it a go. However, I found just one shop in the UK that sold it, but that shop had a 'sister' shop in the Czech Republic. It wasn't available in Germany. Looking online I found that for 16 euros I could get next day delivery........the reality is that after paying that money it still took four days to arrive! Too late.
I will now always have a stock of Medication at hand for Velvet, Ich and Flukes. They all have expiration dates, but if they reach those dates without being used, I'd be a happy man and just replace the stock. I found the LFS to be a complete waste of time for medication, or even advice. Top Tip Shaun. Get a medical stock in place. Trying the Reef Safe medications just has to be a better alternative than a strip down.
One LFS, where I have spent literally hundreds of Euros just told me the story of the Public Aquarium in Munster, that lost everything to Flukes. The guy then crossed his arms, smiled at me, and said, "good luck" ! I will not ever go there again.
I think most of the LFS just don't have the in depth knowledge for these types of situation and you can get so much information online now and with product reviews it can make selecting the right product a bit easier. And someone like your LFS above that's not good at all and I don't blame you, I wouldn't go back - well unless they have some nice fish!!
If you struggle to get stuff try Charterhouse Aquatics in London as they do international shipping at a cost. I use them quiet a lot as well as shops on eBay for basic stuff.
I've been thinking myself about the medication and getting some, but I can get next day timed delivery on anything I need. Were you are it's good to do what you have done so it's ready for when needed in view if the deliver times. I'd probably do the research while your getting sorted and get whatever you need in, which your doing anyway.
To be honest having considered your situation, I don't think I would take down my tank as it would do more harm and damage so I would just go with some of the modern reef safe medication as certainly the reviews look ok.
I have asked a lot of questions of my LFS's in particular with regards to were their stock comes from to try and ascertain quarantine standards, and most use TMC and I've looked on their web site and they look very good as far as looking after fish etc for sale within the UK. I believe here we have very strict standards as far as this is concerned.
As far as critters getting in your tank, who knows were they come from. I've never dipped anything as I trust the LFS's and just acclimatise and in it goes!
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