Help with my powder blue

[Rusticman]

Is this ich? Been treating with Cupramine but condition does not seem to improve. It’s scratching on the rocks but still eating.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Actually, I’m more focused on the fish’s eye - I think I see Neobenedenia, a type of fluke. The material n the body may just be Lymphocystis, a non-fatal viral infection. How long has it been in cupramine, are you at full dose? Have you ever done a FW dip? You may need to, in order to diagnose it as Neo....I can walk you through that if need be.
Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

Jay is right on this. . .and I couldnt agree more. That freshwater dip at 5 mins will eliminate the possibility or prtesence of flukes which will look like little sesame seeds at bottom of container. I like to use dark instead of white buckets where flukes can easily be seen.

 

[Rusticman]

I had the cupramine for about 10 days but only at .5-.6 level about 5 days. Can I use RODI water to do the freshwater dip? Is fluke fatal?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I had the cupramine for about 10 days but only at .5-.6 level about 5 days. Can I use RODI water to do the freshwater dip? Is fluke fatal?

RO or tap is fine. Tap for 5 minutes will not cause harm

 

[Rusticman]

I did noticed oval shape piece “scale like” hanging from its eye yesterday. I am going to give it a dip. Just make sure the water temp is close to tanks temperature right?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Cover the container to keep it from jumping out and to keep it calmer. I often add an air stone to help agitate the flukes and lift them off the body.
Jay

 

[Rusticman]

Did the dip. About 2 dozen of those sesame seeds things came out. What next?

 

[PSU4ME]

Treat the fish for flukes

 

[Eric1493]

Did the dip. About 2 dozen of those sesame seeds things came out. What next?

Prazipro.

 

[Rusticman]

Thank you all. I will order some Prazipro and start treatment. Should I remove the copper?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

You can treat prazipro along with copper, but a couple of caveats - increase the aeration to the tank when you dose it. Also, Neobenedenia has an egg stage that is completely resistant to prazi. The eggs take 14 to 30 days to hatch. I've given up using Prazi to control this particular fluke - you have to time everything just right, if just a few eggs make it through, the infection starts right back up. I now use hyposalinity (half strength seawater) for 35 days for this, that has always worked. I can't say if you are in a position to try that...

Jay

 

[Rusticman]

Treating with Prazipro and seems like everything has cleared up. Fish is getting appetite back and eating great. No more scratching. I will do a water change after 5-7 days of treatment. Hope to vacuum out any eggs and be done with it.

 

[Rusticman]

Water just started getting cloudy today. Is that normal with treatment?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Water just started getting cloudy today. Is that normal with treatment?

That happens sometimes., Keep the aeration up and monitor ammonia. A water change will help. If this is Neobenedenia, watch for a return of the symptoms in 4 to 6 weeks.

Jay

 

[Rusticman]

Happy ending. After this and two ich breakouts, she’s finally cured and happy. I feel like a fish doctor now with successfully treating this patient. Swimming, getting fat and dominating the reef.