Denise wisely cautioned against the use of copper because of its toxicity
and the difficulty predicting how safe it will be in each situation.In my
experience it is also a problem knowing which fish will react badly to it -
at the same dose different species will have problems. For example I had
some velvet (Oodinium) which I treated apparently successfully with a
Copper-based "cure" then removed the M. duboulayi and cleaned the tank did
a total water change but felt that the cleaned gravel should be OK and
several days later put some Poppondettas in and that evening was horrified
to see them diong a "whirling disease" impersonation which accounted for
half of them. My feeling is - don't use copper unless there isn't anything
else !
As far as the diseases she mentions - she almost certainly sees a different
spectrum of diseases than the average Rainbowfish hobbyist - I suspect her
qualifications direct her more to the aquaculture situation where the
diseases she mentions can quickly involve thousands of fish under intensive
culture.
The TB (Mycobacterium) problem is a bit different as the disease can
insidiously spread throughout one's stock via sloppy ( because unsuspecting
tchnique) and may not present any signs for quite a while. At least with
the other 2 there is something to see quickly and treatments are available.
Of course the message is also there that "All that ulcerates is not TB" -
but "Hansen's Corollary" should be also be remembered. When dealing with
Rainbowfish, especially of captive origin, any change in appearance or
behaviour could be TB so bear that in mind ;-)
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm