How to perform TTM to eliminate marine Ich

How to perform TTM to eliminate marine Ich

Tank Transfer Method (TTM) with optional Praziquantel

Eliminates Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and removes flukes (Monogenea) without copper or harsh medications.

Marine Ich has several stages. The white spots you see remain on the fish for 3 to 9 days. They then drop off to reproduce on the tank bottom. After reproduction, the cyst releases free-swimming infective theronts. These are the only stage that can infect fish.
By moving the fish into a clean tank every 72 hours or less, you prevent exposure to theronts. After 4 transfers, all parasites complete their cycle without reinfecting the fish.

TTM only treats Marine Ich. It does not treat velvet, brooklynella, uronema, or bacterial infections. You may include praziquantel during TTM to remove flukes.

 

What You Need For TTM

  • Two clean tanks or containers, 20 liters or larger depending on fish size
  • Heater if needed
  • Air pump and sponge filter or simple aeration
  • Thermometer
  • Lid or mesh cover
  • New saltwater, fully aerated and matched to temperature and salinity
  • Fish net, specimen container, or plastic colander
  • Siphon
  • Buckets or tubs
  • PVC elbows or hiding spots
  • Ammonia test kit and Seachem Prime or AmGuard
  • Prazipro (liquid) or pure praziquantel powder

 

Before You Begin the TTM

  • Keep temperature at 24 to 26°C
  • Match salinity to 33 to 35 ppt (1.023 to 1.025)
  • Use dim lighting to reduce stress
  • Ensure all equipment is clean and dry before use
  • have sufficient saltwater on hand (natural or mixed) for the TTM process 

 

TTM with Praziquantel 

Flukes begin dying and detaching within the first 24 to 48 hours after dosing praziquantel.
Praziquantel is dosed in Transfer 1 and Transfer 3 only.
The medication does not need to carry through the entire TTM process.

Safe praziquantel dosing:
• Prazipro liquid: Standard label dose (5 ml per 75L)
• Pure praziquantel powder: 2 mg per liter

Species caution: some wrasses and anthias may react poorly. If unsure, use half dose and increase aeration.


TTM Schedule

Day 1 – Transfer 1 (Start)

Tank A

  1. Place fish in Tank A with clean, aerated saltwater.
  2. Add praziquantel (standard dose).
  3. Feed fish lightly and monitor.
  4. Prepare Tank B for Day 4.

Cross-contamination rules:
• Never share nets, towels, heaters, or any equipment unless disinfected and fully dried.
• Never allow even a single drop of water from the old tank to enter the new one.
• Do not place hands in old water and then into new water without washing and drying.

Day 4 – Transfer 2

Tank B

  1. Move fish into Tank B with completely fresh saltwater.
  2. OPTIONAL but recommended: Rinse fish for 10–15 seconds in a cup of clean saltwater to remove fluke debris or tomonts.
  3. Do not dose praziquantel here.
  4. Clean all Tank A equipment with diluted bleach or vinegar. Rinse well and allow to fully dry.
  5. Check ammonia daily (Prime or water changes if needed).

 

Day 7 – Transfer 3

Tank A (clean and dried)

  1. Move fish back to Tank A with new saltwater.
  2. Dose praziquantel again at the standard dose.
  3. Increase aeration for 24 hours.
  4. Observe feeding and fish behavior.

This second praziquantel round ensures complete fluke removal by targeting the second generation before they mature.

 

Day 10 – Transfer 4 (Final Transfer)

Tank B

  1. Move fish into Tank B with new saltwater.
  2. Do not dose praziquantel.
  3. Observe fish for 3 more days.

Day 13 – TTM Complete

  • Fish should now be free of Marine Ich and flukes.
  • Move fish into a fully cycled quarantine tank for 14 days of observation.
  • Optional treatments during quarantine:
    – Metronidazole for internal parasites
    – Nitrofurazone or kanamycin if bacterial issues appear
    – Additional praziquantel if large fluke infestation was present

 

Important Safety Notes

• Never share equipment between tanks unless disinfected and fully dried.
• Never exceed 72 hours between transfers.
• TTM does not treat velvet or brooklynella. If fish have flashing, rapid breathing, or gold dust appearance, use appropriate treatment (copper or chloroquine).
• Do not mix praziquantel with copper or formalin.
• Strong aeration is required when dosing praziquantel.
• Expect mild temporary cloudiness after dosing praziquantel.

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