[Firefish]

So, my Naso Tang looks a little rough again. I'm seeking some direction on what to do.

You can see in the pic how she looks. Her eyes were pretty cloudy yesterday, but appear a little clearer today. I cant get her to eat anything. She's moving around and breathing quite fast. Water temp is 78.3* I removed her today and put her in the only spare tank I have, which is a 7 gallon bow front mini ... which sucks because she's about 6.5" long.

I gave her a 30 second fresh water dip (at the same temp.) but I got a bit worried when she stopped moving so I put her back in her hospital tank.

I'm treating her with Mardel CopperSafe. (chelated copper sulfate) 5ml / 4 gallons... and picked up some Gel-Tek penicillin, but she's not eating so I cant get the penicillin into her.

What are your thoughts... She can't be happy in such a small hospital tank

If she can only hold on for a couple more days (or until she gets better) I have a 150 gallon tank for her (see pic). I transferred the 72 bow into the 150... I have a uv filter on the way...

[Firefish]

Oh- here's how she looked just 10 days ago...

I don't know why I keep saying " she" I really have no idea what he/she is... I think I remember reading somewhere that the male has the streamers on the back fin when adult... or was that the female...?

[leebca]

Sorry to hear of the problem.

The greatest probability is that the fish is having a negative reaction to the environment. Most likely is a problem with water quality.

You are correct, the tank size is not good.

I would stop the copper treatment for three reasons: 1) CopperSafe is one of the worst of the copper meds; 2) there is no indication of a ciliated parasite infection; and 3) copper in the water is one of the things that the fish could be having a problem with (Tangs are sensitive to copper).

An antibiotic treatment is good. You need one that goes inside of the fish, like Maracyn Two for Saltwater Fish. During this treatment, dim the lighting.

Next, lower the specific gravity to 1.018 over the next two days.

Offer macro algae in different places. Put some on a clip on the side of the tank. Sink a piece on a rock, attached with a rubberband. Remove what isn't eaten at the end of the day and replace the next morning.

Try different foods, including live brine shrimp and/or live mysids. Keep trying to get the fish to eat and if and when it starts, make sure you get vitamins and fats into the fish.

You must watch water quality three or four times a day. Make water changes daily plus whenever you get an ammonia and/or nitrite reading.

This is a rather advanced case and I'm unsure if we can stop the progress in time. I would also have one hand some: Pro Tech Coat Marine or StressGuard to apply should the fish show improvement.

[Firefish]

Ok... I'm on top of it! I have a 30 gallon tote I can use for tonight...I'll put some fresh salt water from the 150 in there...

I'll keep you posted...

[Firefish]

Actually, I think I'll just put her in the 150 tonight... The water is fresh, there's 100+ lbs of lr in there so far, temp is about 76 and the SG is 1.020. I'll add a little fresh water to lower it to .018. It's still a little cloudy but not too bad, I can see through it. At least she can stretch out in the 150...

thanks again...

[leebca]

I'd prefer to keep the fish in a bare bottom quarantine tank for treatment. I know you think it best to put the fish in a 'fish friendly tank' but for the sake of accurate treatment, it is best in a hospital tank.

[Firefish]

Nuts- I read your reply this morning. I put her in the 150 last night. I can grab her though. She's totally human friendly. She'll swim through my fingers- absolutely no fear at all.

Would you believe me if I told you her skin is 95% clear, and she's breathing more normal just over night
Actively swimming from side to side. If you still feel it's best to remove her, I can mix up some fresh salt water and put her in a clean 30 gallon storage tote with a small powerfilter & heater...

[leebca]

I would let the fish be for the time being. Will it eat anything?

I would have the 30 gallon ready for the fish, just in case.

[leebca]

What is the actual 'breathing' rate? Measure the number of 'swallows' in 15 seconds. Use a stop watch if you can. Repeat this until you get a fairly constant number, then let me know what that is.

If things are well, it should be under 90 per minute (22 in 15 secs).

[Firefish]

Wow- fast response! I'll try to get a pulse...if she'd just stop moving so much

[Firefish]

It's hard to get a good count- the water is still a bit hazy. I would say she's doing about 30 - 35 per 15 sec... water is at .019 / 78.4* / zero NH3 - NO2 - NO3.

[leebca]

This salinity may not be good for some of the live rock inhabitants. That is why that is best done in a hospital tank. You may want to raise the main tank up to no less than 1.022 slowly.

[leebca]

Also, watch pH very closely. Keep it steady.

[Firefish]

Will do... The only other fish in there are a Picasso trigger and a pair of clowns (clarks) no inverts or corals-

I'm such a dope! here I am using a 30 gal tote for a hospital when I have the empty 72 bow sitting on the deck-

I'll mix 50 gallons in the 72 and throw a power head & heater in there so it will be ready if she needs it.

[Firefish]

Well, She actually looked better last night... but I guess she fooled me.

"Bubbles"
November 2006 - April 2007
R.I.P.

[leebca]

Sorry to hear of your loss.