Help Diagnose Blue Hippo Tang Please

[Marco S]

This is my second attempt to QT a Blue Hippo and it is not going good. A couple days ago I noticed velvet like spots on her belly and top of her head, but she is in Copper at therapeutic level, (CopperPower at 2.17) so I did not worry too much. I am also dosing Metroplex at the same time and figured she would be fine.

This morning she is definitely worse and scratching like crazy. She is still eating and swimming, but spends more and more time on her side breathing heavy. I starting Kanaplex a few minutes before posting this, but would really appreciate some help in diagnosing this. This will be my last attempt to keep a Blue Hippo Tang so I really don't want her to die.

Here is a video:

Any help is greatly appreciated.

#reefsquad

 

[4FordFamily]

This is my second attempt to QT a Blue Hippo and it is not going good. A couple days ago I noticed velvet like spots on her belly and top of her head, but she is in Copper at therapeutic level, (CopperPower at 2.17) so I did not worry too much. I am also dosing Metroplex at the same time and figured she would be fine.

This morning she is definitely worse and scratching like crazy. She is still eating and swimming, but spends more and more time on her side breathing heavy. I starting Kanaplex a few minutes before posting this, but would really appreciate some help in diagnosing this. This will be my last attempt to keep a Blue Hippo Tang so I really don't want her to die.

Here is a video:

Any help is greatly appreciated.

#reefsquad

Your video doesn’t show a fish, did you post the wrong video?

 

[4FordFamily]

I found the right video, the link somehow shows both? Anyway it’s scratching. Do you see small spots/dots/dusting on the fish? The other tang in the photo looks like it may have a lot of small dusting (tiny spots) on it.

Flukes, ich, and velvet are the three most common reasons for scratching.

Can you get some high resolution photos?

 

[ngoodermuth]

I was going to mention flukes... it’s possible she has flukes AND velvet.

Have you tried a freshwater dip?

 

[Marco S]

I found the right video, the link somehow shows both? Anyway it’s scratching. Do you see small spots/dots/dusting on the fish? The other tang in the photo looks like it may have a lot of small dusting (tiny spots) on it.

Flukes, ich, and velvet are the three most common reasons for scratching.

Can you get some high resolution photos?

I cannot get any higher than my phone and they are worse than the video.

 

[Marco S]

I was going to mention flukes... it’s possible she has flukes AND velvet.

Have you tried a freshwater dip?

I will try a FW Dip now.

If it is flukes though, can I dose PraziPro with copper, metroples and nanaplex? Or should I setup a new tank with just copper and PraziPro?

 

[Marco S]

I found the right video, the link somehow shows both? Anyway it’s scratching. Do you see small spots/dots/dusting on the fish? The other tang in the photo looks like it may have a lot of small dusting (tiny spots) on it.

Flukes, ich, and velvet are the three most common reasons for scratching.

Can you get some high resolution photos?

Sorry, missed the first questions...

No spots on either Tang. The other Tang is a 2-Spot Bristletooth Tang and the spots are it's normal spots and not Ich or Velvet. The only Tang I am worried about at this point is the Blue Hippo.

 

[Marco S]

I was going to mention flukes... it’s possible she has flukes AND velvet.

Have you tried a freshwater dip?

It is definitely Flukes. About 20 fell off in the freshwater dip.

I am getting a new tank ready and will transfer them and dose with Copper up to therapeutic level, (since she is already in copper at that level) and then add PraziPro. Does that sound like a good plan or would you recommend something different?

 

[Marco S]

Can I add PraziPro to the QT that already has Copper Power at 2.17 ppm, Metroplex and Kanaplex? Or should I setup a new tank with just copper and PraziPro?

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

It is definitely Flukes. About 20 fell off in the freshwater dip.

I am getting a new tank ready and will transfer them and dose with Copper up to therapeutic level, (since she is already in copper at that level) and then add PraziPro. Does that sound like a good plan or would you recommend something different?

For flukes you will need to treat all fish with Prazipro. If you have a QT that would be better in case other issues arise. Treat Prazi twice 5-7 days apart and aerate the tank heavily. Copper is not needed for flukes. If you QT you’ll need to leave your DT fallow for 4 weeks.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

If you suspect Velvet along with flukes copper will be needed and must be done in QT.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Can I add PraziPro to the QT that already has Copper Power at 2.17 ppm, Metroplex and Kanaplex? Or should I setup a new tank with just copper and PraziPro?

The more meds running at once increase the chance of issues. If the antibiotics aren’t needed I would start with copper and Prazi. Once again aerate heavily as Prazi depletes O2. If ABX are needed you can run them.

 

[Marco S]

The more meds running at once increase the chance of issues. If the antibiotics aren’t needed I would start with copper and Prazi. Once again aerate heavily as Prazi depletes O2. If ABX are needed you can run them.

Just an FYI, these fish are in QT already. They are 2 and 1/2 weeks into copper treatment and I added Metroplex and Kanaplex because I thought the flukes were a bacterial disease instead of flukes. Now that I know they are Flukes for sure, I was asking if I can just add PraziPro to the current meds or transfer them to a tank with just copper and PraziPro. I will transfer them to limit the amount of meds in the water.

 

[Marco S]

Thank you everyone for your advice and quick replies!!!

Now at least I know what to treat for and hopefully my fish will make it through QT.

 

[ngoodermuth]

You can probably just do like 25% wc then dose the prazi (make sure to re-dose copper in the new water) The remaining abx will be inactive in 24-48 hours anyway.

Like mentioned, make sure it’s well aerated.

 

[Marco S]

You can probably just do like 25% wc then dose the prazi (make sure to re-dose copper in the new water) The remaining abx will be inactive in 24-48 hours anyway.

Like mentioned, make sure it’s well aerated.

I already setup and transferred them to the new tank with copper and PraziPro. I am running a powerhead pointed at the surface and an air stone and the fish are doing good. Ever since the freshwater dip the Blue Hippo seems 100% better and isn't scratching at all anymore.

As always...thanks for your help!

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Good to hear!

 

[Marco S]

The other tang in the photo looks like it may have a lot of small dusting (tiny spots) on it.

@4FordFamily, You have a great eye!!!

I did not notice anything on my 2-Spot Bristletooth Tang since he has natural spots all over his face, but after being in PraziPro overnight there are at least 6-8 flukes that have turned opaque on his face and gills. I was planning on doing PraziPro after the copper anyway, but it's always good to catch before it even showed any signs.

I want to thank everyone again!!!