itchy tangs

bongobrian · 05-09-2002, 09:08 AM

As some of you know, I recently bought a purple tang, orange shoulder tang, and a kole tang. All are still doing fine but I've noticed that they occasionally scrape up against rocks and corals intentionally, I'm assuming to get at an "itch". I havn't noticed any visible signs of infections or parasites. I was just wondering if I can take their behavior as the first warning sign that I need to treat my tank with something. Do you guys think I should medicate the tank with something? I know you're probably going to ask me if I have a quarantine tank, but unfortunately I do not. I probably couldn't get the fish out of my main tank now anyway. Well let me know what you think. I think I've only seen the purple tang and the orange behaving like this. I havn't seen the kole tang or my clown start doing it yet.

Penguin · 05-09-2002, 12:43 PM

Since you can't see any visible signs of disease, I would say don't treat. Just keep a close eye on things. Occasional scratching is a normal behavior for some fish. Besides you don't want to medicate your tank without knowing what exactly the problem is (if any). JMO

Northman_with_reef · 05-09-2002, 12:56 PM

I'm with Penguin.
If you cant ID the parasite or even see it, I would'nt do nothing other than sit tight and keep an eye on things.

if it is Ich, some cleaners will take care of it....
If you dont have them you can use kick Ich or some other reef safe med.

Elmo18 · 05-09-2002, 03:32 PM

Before I took down my tank I had a Kole Tang. He/she too was a picky eater. IN fact I posted almost the exact same concern here. He would "scrape" at the glass for algae and the surrounding rockwork. The only concern for him doing that too often is that the fish might get an infection at the lip (mouth), which will not do him/her any good.

I tried the algae Formula food (frozen) and that worked well. Have you tried feeding him some regular nori?

Regards,

Ilham

mrok12 · 05-12-2002, 10:18 AM

Brian,
FWIW I have heard that some fish will exhibit this behavior in water that has low ALK. I think Marcus said that. I can not qoute references though, Just a thought. I am ordering some live rock in another couple of weeks, let me know if you want any of a clam when I order.

Mike

05-09-2002, 09:08 AM	#1
bongobrian Mayor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan Posts: 657	itchy tangs As some of you know, I recently bought a purple tang, orange shoulder tang, and a kole tang. All are still doing fine but I've noticed that they occasionally scrape up against rocks and corals intentionally, I'm assuming to get at an "itch". I havn't noticed any visible signs of infections or parasites. I was just wondering if I can take their behavior as the first warning sign that I need to treat my tank with something. Do you guys think I should medicate the tank with something? I know you're probably going to ask me if I have a quarantine tank, but unfortunately I do not. I probably couldn't get the fish out of my main tank now anyway. Well let me know what you think. I think I've only seen the purple tang and the orange behaving like this. I havn't seen the kole tang or my clown start doing it yet. __________________ Brian For those about to rock... I salute you! www.bongobrian.com Talk to me! aol: bongobrian78 msn: bongobrian@hotmail.com yahoo: bongobrian78

05-09-2002, 12:43 PM	#2
Penguin Polymath Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 526	Since you can't see any visible signs of disease, I would say don't treat. Just keep a close eye on things. Occasional scratching is a normal behavior for some fish. Besides you don't want to medicate your tank without knowing what exactly the problem is (if any). JMO __________________ As a nation, you're faced with the choice of taking over the world or offering good eats at reasonable prices.

05-09-2002, 12:56 PM	#3
Northman_with_reef Stonehammer Productions ™ Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Norway(Scandinavia) Posts: 461	I'm with Penguin. If you cant ID the parasite or even see it, I would'nt do nothing other than sit tight and keep an eye on things. if it is Ich, some cleaners will take care of it.... If you dont have them you can use kick Ich or some other reef safe med. __________________ They said aquariums would be relaxing......(yeah right) Saltvannsforum My LFS

05-09-2002, 03:32 PM	#4
Elmo18 Governor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,514	I had a kole Before I took down my tank I had a Kole Tang. He/she too was a picky eater. IN fact I posted almost the exact same concern here. He would "scrape" at the glass for algae and the surrounding rockwork. The only concern for him doing that too often is that the fish might get an infection at the lip (mouth), which will not do him/her any good. I tried the algae Formula food (frozen) and that worked well. Have you tried feeding him some regular nori? Regards, Ilham

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05-12-2002, 10:18 AM	#5
mrok12 Mayor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Van Buren, MI Posts: 1,052	Brian, FWIW I have heard that some fish will exhibit this behavior in water that has low ALK. I think Marcus said that. I can not qoute references though, Just a thought. I am ordering some live rock in another couple of weeks, let me know if you want any of a clam when I order. Mike

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