Treating zoa pox and furan 2 in corals

[zenko9]

Just a heads up, Furan-2 packets are the new norm, capsules are a thing of the past. Also, it's not a one-and-done deal, it takes a few rounds of treatment, some rest time in between, and patience to fully kick the polyps into shape.

[onyzza]

I just got some expired Furan-2 packets from my LFS - do you think they're still good to use? I'm guessing they won't harm anything, but maybe won't be as effective, right?

Charles, thanks again for all your help - I've been waiting to post back until I saw how my zoas responded. They're doing alright, but I've got some new spots popping up in a few places. Ever seen zoas just overcome this on their own?

[zenko9]

Honestly, I've heard some tanks have managed to overcome Zoa Pox without treatment, but it's extremely rare and usually requires a perfectly maintained tank with very healthy polyps. I wouldn't hold my breath for it, though - most people I've talked to haven't had much luck beating it this way.

As for using those expired capsules, I wouldn't recommend it. The potency and effectiveness might be compromised, and it could set you back even further in your treatment. You're already dealing with an infection, don't risk making it harder to get rid of.

[aerialist]

Does the package instructions say each packet treats 10 gallons of water? I'm just double-checking.

Sorry to hear Furan-2 didn't quite work out for your tank, Kyle. I'm curious - has anyone figured out how long Zoapox stays in the system after the infected polyp dies? What's the incubation period like?

Thanks again for all the help and support, everyone - I really appreciate it. Good luck to us all with our Zoapox battles!

[zenko9]

I've always found it best to keep treatment and housing separate, away from the main tank, and let the polyps recover in a holding tank for a few weeks - just to be safe.

[aerialist]

I'm with you on not dosing meds in the main tank, I'm going to take out the zoa colonies I can manage. Sadly, some of the rocks are massive and the zoas are all over the bases of other corals, so it's a bit of a challenge. Hopefully it won't be a year-long process... these zoas have been thriving for years and are all over the place. Guess I'll just have to start over with some new frags. Thanks, Kate

[onyzza]

Hey Charles, I just completed the first and second doses of Furan-2. I'm curious to know if reusing the dip water for the next day's treatment is a good idea. I'd heat it up and adjust the pH if necessary. The cost of Furan-2 is adding up, and I'd like to make the most of it. I'm assuming any zoa pox in the dip water would have been killed off by the Furan-2, right? I know it's not the ideal method, but I don't have enough Furan-2 to continue without reusing the water - I've ordered more tonight.

My zoas are still opening fine, even with a close to one packet per cup ratio. Thanks, --Kyle

[zenko9]

Honestly, I've never reused dip water, never even thought about it. It's kinda like reusing a band-aid on a wound that's a week old, doesn't seem right. I've always just made a new batch for each treatment, figured it was safer that way. I mean, yeah, it's more expensive, but I'd rather not risk losing any of my zoas or palys to a weakened treatment.

[onyzza]

Thanks Charles, appreciate the advice. I see what you mean about reusing the dip water, kinda like reusing a band-aid that's been sitting around for a week. I'll have to reuse it this time since I'm short on Furan-2, but I've got more on the way so I'll be good for next week. I've got one packet left and need to treat again today, so I'll add it to yesterday's water and hope for the best. Take care.

[zenko9]

I usually stock up on Furan-2, buying multiple boxes at once, this way I'm prepared in case I need to do multiple dips for pox.