Cleaner shrimp needs training

[Joshua76]

Is there any way to encourage a cleaner shrimp to clean a Red Cap goby? I have one with ick and would prefer to let nature do its job then to have to stress the whole tank by catching him and stressing him further by freshwater dipping or copper treating him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreaciated.

Thanks...joshua

 

[aresgod]

are there anyother fish in the tank?

 

[Joshua76]

yes a true perc clown

 

[aresgod]

ok, well there is another issue here, I dont think you fully understand how ick works, even if your cleaner shrimp "cleans" your goby that will not solve your problem, the shrimp simply picks at the surfuce scars and agitation and will not get rid of your ick, second even if you treat your goby, ick will still be in the tank, and eventually your clown will get it. Your best option right now is to set up both your fish in a QT and leave your main tank empty for 6 weeks. Treat with coper and hypo, and you should be all set....I strongly urge you to go out and buy some decent reading material on marine tanks..."the new marine aquarium" by mike paletta is a good place to start.
Good luck
Brahm

 

[Joshua76]

No I realize fully what ick and its life cycle are about, I dont however understand what the intricities of Cleaner shrimp are having never kept one. As far as reading goes I prefer The conscentious Marine Aquarist Robert Fenner. However as I stated in my origonal post I want to take care of this naturally ie cleaners doing what they should do, if they do not consume parasites which is not what I have read in many articles then that answeres my question. I would love to know why so many people insist on exposing their fish to elements they would not be exposed to in nature. That I guess is a discussion for a different time.

Thanks for your advice....Joshua

 

[aresgod]

I am glad you understand the cycle of Ich, cleaners do clean parasites..only external ones, the best option really is QT and copper, and while it might not be natural it is affective and your best shot at keeping your fish alive.

 

[Joshua76]

/agreed


Thanks...joshua