Fish disease ID

jjmenking · May 30, 2021

Hello All,

I’m looking for advice.

I noticed our convict tang was flashing a little yesterday. This morning, there is a black “streak” by the pectoral fin. It looks like a scratch/wound to me. But am not experienced enough to be confident. I am planning on medicated food (Kanaplex), but also have Metroplex available.

Eating normally. Green/purple nori, rods reef.
I haven’t seen any aggression or similar behavior/symptoms from his tank mates, Whitetail Bristletooth, Foxface, Midas Blenny.

•180 gal fish only tank for now, Waterbox 180.5
• 1 month post cycle/ getting ready for the uglies
•rollermat filtration
•no skimmer
•no refugium yet, but I have the macro already
•hydra32, set real low
•pH- 8.15
•SP- 1.025
•Ammonia- 0ppm, according to Ammonia Alert
•Nitrite- 0ppm
•Phosphate- 0.05ppm
•Nitrate- 5-10ppm

Jay Hemdal · May 30, 2021

Could it just be a scratch? Have you considered dosing the tank with Prazipro?

Medicated food is unlikely to help with an external issue like that. People just don’t get the dosing right, and then, fish don’t absorb medications well to then affect external disease issues. I have an article on medicated foods here, and another member has developed a calculator that actually determines a proper dose (but it is complicated).

Jay

jjmenking · May 30, 2021

I had not considered that it could just be a scratch or treating with Prazipro. Thank you Jay and R2R community.

Jay Hemdal · May 30, 2021

jjmenking said:
I had not considered that it could just be a scratch or treating with Prazipro. Thank you Jay and R2R community.

Prazipro is generally reef safe, just remove your skimmer cup, UV, carbon and increase the tank's aeration when treating.

Jay

jjmenking · May 31, 2021

Just want to drop a thanks again. As a newer reefer, it’s hard not to panic and/or assume worst when you encounter a new/unknown event. Advice from more experienced reefers is the best thing in these situations. Each day brings a new experience and I hope to learn from each one and maybe one day help another.