Clownfish has some sort of rot/infection

[Colenew1]

Hi! I have a clownfish with a rotting patch near its anus, I noticed his fins are splitting a bit. I introduced a second clown last week from a different fish store and it died within 2 days I’m wondering if it transmitted its disease to this one! he’s eating fine but seems a bit lethargic, my LFS said it is either bacterial or fungal so I have done a freshwater 3 min dip and dosed with metroplex and am hoping this will clear it up, water parameters are normal! I love this little dude and I just would love to know what’s wrong!

this is my first saltwater aquarium so I’d love any information!

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Looks bacterial to me. Do you have a Quarantine tank?

 

[Colenew1]

Looks bacterial to me. Do you have a Quarantine tank?

Hi thanks for responding! Unfortunately no I do not at this time but he's my only fish in the tank at the moment

 

[LAReefer4Life]

I understand. For bacterial infection it is best to treat the water column with Furan and Seachem Neoplex. You should in addition feed these two medications and bind them to fish food by applying Seachem Focus into the mix.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Let me clarify though. These medications are not reef safe and will have ill affects on inverts, coral, etc.

By adding Seachem focus in the food mix it now binds to the food making it reef safe technically.

 

[C. Eymann]

Looks bacterial to me as well, but I know some parasites that reside in the fishes vent (bum) can cause internal hemorrhaging, which can look similar to that.

 

[Colenew1]

Let me clarify though. These medications are not reef safe and will have ill affects on inverts, coral, etc.

By adding Seachem focus in the food mix it now binds to the food making it reef safe technically.

I was about to ask! I'm going to run to the store and get them right now thank you so much!

 

[Colenew1]

Looks bacterial to me as well, but I know some parasites that reside in the fishes vent (bum) can cause internal hemorrhaging, which can look similar to that.

I did a freshwater dip just in case it was a parasite, anything else I can do to help with that?

Also how often should I be doing dips during this time?

 

[LAReefer4Life]

It would not be the worst idea to grab Seachem Kanaplex and Metroplex while you're add it. Start to equip yourself with an arsenal of medications just in case.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Wait 24 - 48 hours between dips. Did you notice anything fall off the fish? Was there any improvement?

 

[Colenew1]

It would not be the worst idea to grab Seachem Kanaplex and Metroplex while you're add it. Start to equip yourself with an arsenal of medications just in case.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Will do thanks! Also your tank is absolutely stunning

 

[Colenew1]

Wait 24 - 48 hours between dips. Did you notice anything fall off the fish? Was there any improvement?

I think two little dots fell off they were dark in color they didn't move

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that

 

[Colenew1]

Unfortunately he just passed away any tips on how I can prevent this kind of thing in the future?

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Sorry for your loss. The best way is to QT before adding to your display tank. I'd let your tank run fallow (without fish) for minimum 6 weeks just to eliminate the possibility of parasites.

If you choose not to quarantine moving forward you risk this happening again in the future. You can purchase from reputable vendors that have some quarantine process in place such as LiveAquaria Divers Den or Humblefish Aquatics. Conduct FWD upon arrival before placing in display and hope for the best.

 

[Colenew1]

I think I’m going to invest in a QT tank! Wow you read my mind my next question was how long until I can restock! Thanks again for all your help!

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Sure man! QT tanks can be pretty easy and inexpensive. All you need is 10 or 20 gallon tank. Petco is running special where you pay $1 per gallon so a 20 gallon will cost you $20. You'll need a HOB filter, aquaclear filters are great and less than $25. A cheap heater and powerhead. You can find these on amazon for pretty cheap. Last thing is an ammonia alert badge and PVC piping for hiding spots for the fish.

Here are some links.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Oh and a bottle of BIOSPIRA to get the bacteria going. Good luck!

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Colenew1]

Wow wow wow this is so helpful! Can I use this to QT coral frags as well? I guess I’d need a light right?

 

[LAReefer4Life]

You'll need a light and you eliminate administering medications if your fish gets sick. In that case if you want to QT corals and inverts you would need 2 separate QT tanks which is a smart idea but do you have space and $$$ is the real question. LOL