jthomps123
Member
Hi Guys,
My tang has come down with something, he's breathing really heavy and hanging out by the return / surface. Im thinking some sort of parasite, there were a few spots on him (that a fw dip seemed to knock off, but his rapid breathing has moved to the other gill)- but not sure if it was ich or something else.
My question is: when I quarantine him and the others / is copper ( or hypo for ich )the only thing that will eliminate the disease. If he returns to good health without copper treatment while in quarantine after 6 weeks or so, will he and the others still be carriers for the parasite even thought they dont show signs of sickness or irritation?
This brings me to another question; when you guys/gals quarantine new fish for 6 weeks, do you also treat for copper? If not, how else can you be positive that the fish isnt still a carrier without being adversely or outwardly affected by the parasite.
And one more question if you dont mind, should I wait until the parasite goes through the 'fall off' phase of the cycle before attempting to tear down the tank to catch all the fish to give the tang a little recoup time before stressing him again? He's very stressed (and after what seems to be a useless fw dip) and does not appear to be getting any better; although he is still hanging in there and trying to beat this thing.
Consider this my 'I knew better and still didnt QT but will now QT all no-exceptions' lesson; lest this happen to another poor fish.
Jason
My tang has come down with something, he's breathing really heavy and hanging out by the return / surface. Im thinking some sort of parasite, there were a few spots on him (that a fw dip seemed to knock off, but his rapid breathing has moved to the other gill)- but not sure if it was ich or something else.
My question is: when I quarantine him and the others / is copper ( or hypo for ich )the only thing that will eliminate the disease. If he returns to good health without copper treatment while in quarantine after 6 weeks or so, will he and the others still be carriers for the parasite even thought they dont show signs of sickness or irritation?
This brings me to another question; when you guys/gals quarantine new fish for 6 weeks, do you also treat for copper? If not, how else can you be positive that the fish isnt still a carrier without being adversely or outwardly affected by the parasite.
And one more question if you dont mind, should I wait until the parasite goes through the 'fall off' phase of the cycle before attempting to tear down the tank to catch all the fish to give the tang a little recoup time before stressing him again? He's very stressed (and after what seems to be a useless fw dip) and does not appear to be getting any better; although he is still hanging in there and trying to beat this thing.
Consider this my 'I knew better and still didnt QT but will now QT all no-exceptions' lesson; lest this happen to another poor fish.
Jason
Towards the end he darkened up, and got large dark spots around his body, and his heavy breathing switched to the other gill.