Fish

[nemlover91]

I recently got a vegabond butterfly fish. The fish is currently in QT eith copper treatment. He ate for 2 days like a pig on brine. However for the last 4 days he hasn't touched it. I have tried bring, frozen black worms and flake. What can I do to make him eat? Thanks!

 

[4FordFamily]

I recently got a vegabond butterfly fish. The fish is currently in QT eith copper treatment. He ate for 2 days like a pig on brine. However for the last 4 days he hasn't touched it. I have tried bring, frozen black worms and flake. What can I do to make him eat? Thanks!

Do you have an ammonia alert badge?

What copper are you using, and which tester?

 

[nemlover91]

Do you have an ammonia alert badge?

What copper are you using, and which tester?

I don't have a badge. I have been doing a 50 percent water change weekly. 29 gallon biocube with just him. Cupramine is what I am currently running in the tank....

 

[nemlover91]

Do you have an ammonia alert badge?

What copper are you using, and which tester?

Could this possibly be a side effect of the copper. Appetite suppression?

 

[4FordFamily]

Could this possibly be a side effect of the copper. Appetite suppression?

It’s possible — did you use any bacteria in a bottle? Your timeline could be how long it took for ammonia to creep and burn the fish such that it’s lethargic and disinterested in food.

If you didn’t use Dr Tims or Biospira I would think that at least a contributor, personally.

 

[nemlover91]

It’s possible — did you use any bacteria in a bottle? Your timeline could be how long it took for ammonia to creep and burn the fish such that it’s lethargic and disinterested in food.

If you didn’t use Dr Tims or Biospira I would think that at least a contributor, personally.

Will the copper kill the bacteria in a bottle? I used my 1 year old reef tank water for changes. Every other water change...

 

[4FordFamily]

Will the copper kill the bacteria in a bottle? I used my 1 year old reef tank water for changes. Every other water change...

I mean perhaps a bit, but I use them together all the time. The biggest killer in QT is ammonia which is why products like Dr Tims or Biospira are so critical, IMO.

 

[nemlover91]

I mean perhaps a bit, but I use them together all the time. The biggest killer in QT is ammonia which is why products like Dr Tims or Biospira are so critical, IMO.

I will order some asap!

 

[4FordFamily]

I will order some asap!

Get an ammonia alert badge by seachem as well. It’s the only realiable way I know to check for ammonia.

If any is present 50% water changes won’t cut it.

 

[4FordFamily]

Also, I find that butterflies find live blackworms to be irresistible. Sometimes live brine works as well. Clam on the half shell or fresh mussels can entice them too. I’d try all of those things but know that they’ll dirty up the water which could exacerbate your ammonia issue if you have one.

Butterflies are quite fragile in even trace ammonia.

 

[nemlover91]

Also, I find that butterflies find live blackworms to be irresistible. Sometimes live brine works as well. Clam on the half shell or fresh mussels can entice them too. I’d try all of those things but know that they’ll dirty up the water which could exacerbate your ammonia issue if you have one.

Butterflies are quite fragile in even trace ammonia.

I just ordered both! Thank you!

 

[4FordFamily]

I just ordered both! Thank you!

No problem!

 

[Big G]

You are using Seachem's Cupramine copper product. Seachem's Ammonia Multi Test kit will read "free ammonia" (that's the ammonia that kills fish) while Cupramine is present in the water. It also works with most meds.