Need a New Idea

While they may provide some relief, non of the above mentioned are a treatment for Crypocaryon irritans (marine ich). Studies have been done regarding cleaner shrimp. They have been introduced to a system with active marine ich, removed after allowed to clean symptomatic fish. No Crypocaryon was found within their gut. Not just one study but several.

Same goes for cleaner wrasses.
http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/197/m197p241.pdf
Please read this link as well related to cleaner wrasse.
Cleaner wrasse

Please do not purchase a cleaner wrasse to treat marine ich, it will slowly starve to death.

I agree with others, feed feed feed as long as it is eating.

You have been through this before Ryland you know the drill.

 

Not to sure about that. I've got cleaner wrasses ans shrimps in almost every reef system we maintain, some going on over 5 years. And cleaner wrasses DONT have a huge mortality rate as some have claim. For every 20 we get in, we may lose one, which is a whole lot better than a whole lot of other species taken into captivity.

I've personally observed cleaner wrasses and shrimps clear out whole tanks with massive infestations. Yes they only will eat the parasites on the fish, and not spores, but that does keep the fish from being able to rebuild its immune system. You can feed fish all day long, but if its immune system is being overwhelmed, that food aint gonna do squat.

The parasites and other infectious agents will always be present in the water. What will determine if the fish becomes infected is the health of its immune system and the health of the eco system in which is resides.

In addition, the article you linked doesn't disprove that cleaner wrasses eat parasites in any shape or form. If anything, it supports the fact that they feed on parasites. And the other link is to simply a another forum discussion on this topic.