15" Vlamingi Tang sick

[srm077]

No clue as to why. Just suddenly happened. Tank parameters are fine. I run a carbon reactor all the time and change media every 2 weeks. Tank is large enough- 10 foot long and 500+ gallons. Will attach a picture below. He has stopped eating. Not really breathing abnormally but is scratching against and hiding in rocks. I have not added any new stock in 14 months and have made no changes to the system in over 6 months. I am stumped. I did treat with Prazi on Wednesday morning as I thought it may be flukes. All tank mates are acting normally. I cant put him in a hospital tank as I don't have one large enough and fear the move may kill him.

 

[srm077]

See pic.

 

[Big G]

Are the eyes cloudy?

 

[srm077]

Are the eyes cloudy?

Can you see the picture above? His eyes do not look good.

 

[Big G]

If both eyes are cloudy that can be a symptom of a bacterial infection. Is the "redness" on the skin normal for that fish?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bacterial-infections.191511/#post-2196167

 

[cojo8888]

Maybe hes old enough to die?
Sorry to hear sad things!

 

[ngoodermuth]

I know you said you’re treating already, but have you done a freshwater dip to confirm/rule out flukes?

I know they can change their color pretty quickly and dramatically when fully matured, but the “patchy” red areas on his side are concerning. I, too, suspect he might have an infection, perhaps from an injury or from flukes... but that would explain his appearance and agitated behavior.

Do you have access to acriflavine? Ruby reef rally is a good source. Unfortunately, I do think a move to QT is in order. You could give him a 90-minute bath in transit, and I would have antibiotics at the ready.

He might not survive the transfer, but he certainly might not survive without help.

 

[srm077]

How big of a hospital tank does a 15" fish need? That is my main issue. He is normally super active and placing him in a small tank probably would not be good. I can get whatever treatment is needed and don't mind treating my DT as long as it is not copper based.

 

[4FordFamily]

I’d use a 75 for treatment. I’d source NFG as I also suspect infection. Try the dip see if anything comes off. It doesn’t look good it needs treatment in NFG fast. (Nitrofuracin green)

If it takes more than a day to get there source kanaplex metroplex and furan 2 and use them together in hospital tank until NFG comes.