Bacterial infection or something else?

JMM744 · May 23, 2018

Butterflies are two weeks out of copper. Noticed some red on the belly and anal fin of this guy the other day. Started metroplex, kanaplex and furan 2 right away. Things seemed to clear up but now I see these spots today. It’s hard to get good pictures and the water has lots of floaties in it from being fed. He is acting quite normal. Tonight will be the 3 rd dose of kanaplex so done with that. Fauran and metro will continue. Just looking for confirmation as to what I think it is or correction.
Thank you,
Jim

HotRocks · May 23, 2018

It's hard to see in pics. Keep in mind fish are alot of the time "slow to respond" to ABX. I would stay on course for the 10-14 days and keep an eye on it.

4FordFamily · May 23, 2018

I agree with @HotRocks but that does look like severe ich on the butterflies, we need clearer photos.

Big G · May 23, 2018

Nitrofuracine Green powder (NFG) works really well on those "red spots" on butterfly fish.

HotRocks · May 23, 2018

4FordFamily said:
I agree with @HotRocks but that does look like severe ich on the butterflies, we need clearer photos.

I saw that too. I was hoping it was dirty glass since I saw it above the fish as well.

4FordFamily · May 23, 2018

HotRocks said:
I saw that too. I was hoping it was dirty glass since I saw it above the fish as well.

My initial feeling was the glass as well

JMM744 · May 23, 2018

So anything else I might need. I will have to order the NFG from National Fish Pharm. stuffs not cheap but figured if anything else is recommended I could get it too.
I will try to get better pics.

HotRocks · May 23, 2018

JMM744 said:
So anything else I might need. I will have to order the NFG from National Fish Pharm. stuffs not cheap but figured if anything else is recommended I could get it too.
I will try to get better pics.

I have yet to find anything that has to do with this hobby cheap! LOL I know it's highly recommended by several of our expert level members, I have yet to need it thankfully. I have used the trifecta successfully before.

Are you asking about other ABX? Or items to keep on hand in general for QT purposes?

JMM744 · May 23, 2018

Here are some other pics. They never quit moving. I was asking if anything else might be worth buying. I have most everything from Hummblefishs list.
I am no expert but it almost looks like little divest instead of grains of salt. You can see some on the saddleback in his dark area and one spot on his pelvic fin as well.
Hope these help.
Jim

JMM744 · May 24, 2018

Found a couple white spots on my orange dutterfky this morning. Man, it’s hard to see anything on these light colored fish and they never sit still.
Question , metroplex says three doses is all you can do on package. I see recommendations for up to 14 days of the trio of drugs though. Can I dose past the three doses or just continue the other two for the 14 days? Also, how long can I put off copper for the ich? They have been thru it once already. Can NFG be doses with coppersafe or copperpower?
Thanks, Jim

Big G · May 24, 2018

Do this twice for a total of 10 days:

Day 1: Use recommended dosage for Metroplex, KanaPlex & Furan-2
Day 2: Use recommended dosage for Furan-2 only
Day 3: 25% Water change and use recommended dosage for Metroplex, KanaPlex & Furan-2
Day 4: Use recommended dosage for Furan-2 only
Day 5: 25% Water change and use recommended dosage for Metroplex, KanaPlex & Furan-2

JMM744 · May 24, 2018

That’s exactly what I am doing. Second water change is happening tonight. Thanks for the clarification.
Glad I stocked up on meds!
Have NFG coming tomorrow along with copperpower. If this treatment doesn’t work I will hit them with the NFG next.

Big G · May 25, 2018

JMM744 said:
That’s exactly what I am doing. Second water change is happening tonight. Thanks for the clarification.
Glad I stocked up on meds!
Have NFG coming tomorrow along with copperpower. If this treatment doesn’t work I will hit them with the NFG next.

While using NFG, the water will tint, that's normal. And lots of water changes. Stock up on salt.

JMM744 · May 25, 2018

Big G said:
While using NFG, the water will tint, that's normal. And lots of water changes. Stock up on salt.

Yep, saw that on the website I bought from. Got plenty of salt. Can I use it with copperpower? At some point I am going to have to start copper again. At least I have the new Hanna now.
Thanks BigG.

Big G · May 25, 2018

Mixing antibiotics and copper is risky. I only do that if absolutely necessary because the fish are in need of drastic action. Now the Hanna Checker could change that a bit with the ability to slowly and accurately dial up the dosage to keep a close eye on the effects on the fish.

JMM744 · May 25, 2018

Guess it’s kind of a quandary, start copper or keep antibiotics going till it’s all gone. Flip a coin eh?!
I am going to watch the fish till done tues. with the treatment for infection. If ich gets going more I will stop and switch over to copper. At least it’s not velvet. Still wonder, how did ich survive 30days of copper? Maybe my testing was faulty and wasn’t up to therapeutic? Oh well, such is life. Appreciate the help.
Have a great weekend and thanks again.
Jim

HotRocks · May 25, 2018

Big G said:
Mixing antibiotics and copper is risky. I only do that if absolutely necessary because the fish are in need of drastic action. Now the Hanna Checker could change that a bit with the ability to slowly and accurately dial up the dosage to keep a close eye on the effects on the fish.

I agree 100% for what it's worth.

JMM744 · May 25, 2018

HotRocks said:
I agree 100% for what it's worth.

It’s worth a buck or two for sure.

Thanks appreciate it,
Jim

JCTReefer · Aug 20, 2018

Any ideas as to what could be going on with these damsels. All 3 are showing the same symptoms. Looks like there scales are pitted and deteriorating. Loosing color. On day 24 of copper. They showed no symptoms before the copper. Bacterial possibly? Or maybe from the meds? It's slowly gotten worse. Water quality isn't too bad. No ammonia, nitrites are a little high but that shouldn't be the issue. PH 8.2 , Nitrates 0-5ppm.. The Melanurus Wrasse and Gramma show zero symptoms like this.

HotRocks · Aug 20, 2018

JCTReefer said:
Any ideas as to what could be going on with these damsels. All 3 are showing the same symptoms. Looks like there scales are pitted and deteriorating. Loosing color. On day 24 of copper. They showed no symptoms before the copper. Bacterial possibly? Or maybe from the meds? It's slowly gotten worse. Water quality isn't too bad. No ammonia, nitrites are a little high but that shouldn't be the issue. PH 8.2 , Nitrates 0-5ppm.. The Melanurus Wrasse and Gramma show zero symptoms like this.

It almost looks like Brook.

Have you by chance used any de-wormer yet? I would recommend a 5min FW dip to see if you get any flukes that come off.

Can you post some additional pics?

@Big G @Humblefish @4FordFamily