Coral Beauty gill problem...

[weez1959]

Hi Lee,

It's been a while since I've had a problem but I'm back.
I've had a coral beauty in a QT since march 3rd. She's in copper at the concentration of between 0.25 and 0.5. I know it's higher than 0.25 and lower than 0.5 but the test doesn't show numbers between. She's in copper because I saw a small patch (about 15% of the fin at most) of something on one fin that made it look opaque when she arrived. (it could be my eyes but I'm pretty sure there was something there but now it's gone) woo hoo!

The reason for the post is I saw something else that I hadn't noticed, (like I said my eyes are getting bad even with glasses ) she has a patch of missing scales behind one gill or at least that's what it looks like. I posted a pic of both sides for comparison but it's pretty easy to see on the pics.
Any idea what this is?

Water is good,
amm 0
trites 0
pH 8.1 and trying to get it up higher.
1.024

She eats ok, not a huge appetite but tries whatever I throw in, but doesn't always swallow

I've been using garlic to stimulate her appetite and I've been adding the vitamins you've suggested in your previous posts.

Swims around calmly, doesn't look stressed but the spot is worrying me.

Louise

[leebca]

I would consider it an injury, unless other symptoms develop. If it is an injury, the copper will slightly exacerbate the condition.

You didn't mention and I don't remember previous postings. . .You're using Cupramine, right? For Dwarf Angels using any copper medication other than Cupramine, would not be recommended.

I would have antibiotics standing by and help the fish heal itself. Beside what you are feeding, include more immune boosters in the diet: Fish Immune Boosters

[weez1959]

Good morning Lee,
Yes I use cupramine and the beta glucan goes without saying now, I always use it when the fish are in QT. I do 25% water changes everyday so I will stop adding cupramine to the new water (0.15ml per gallon of new water) so it will go down gradually. I looked at her this morning and I think it might be looking a bit better, I try to get another pic for comparison.
Thanks for your input, it always makes me feel better
Louise

[weez1959]

I looked at her this morning and I think it might be looking a bit better,

Well scratch that comment
I took a pic again and the area looks a tiny bit bigger and she's doing something new, she occasionally looks like she gets a shiver, that's the best I can explain it. I put cuprisorb in the filter and was hoping to be able to add maracyn two as soon as possible. When can I add this, does the copper all have to be gone first or can I add it now or this evening maybe?

[leebca]

Cupramine and Maracyn can go together, but you don't want any absorbing kind of material (any chemical media) in use while using the antibiotic. Remember, the antibiotic will prevent infection, but not do the cure.

Keep close watch for any changes.

[weez1959]

Update on the coral beauty, the Maracyn Two treatment is finished and the gill injury has healed up perfectly, she looks really nice, no more shivers, eating well, swimming around happily,

[wozza]

cool, how long does it have left in the qt before it goes in the DT?

[weez1959]

I guess a couple weeks more should do but I'm pretty sure she's clean at this point

[wozza]

cool one of my fave fish!
good luck