Is my torch dying?

tnewell · Nov 19, 2020

Jd120988 said:
Unfortunately no bottle bac on hand and im afraid I won't get a chance to grab any until mid day tomorrow during work. I do have a giant skimmer so maybe that'll help pull that junk out. Next question, after all is said and done when would be a safe time to look into adding another torch or similar. I'm not the type to run out tomorrow and grab another lol, just curious about how long this junk takes to clear out of a system. I did a 5 gallon water change which isn't a lot but I have to mix up some more salt water before I can do a large one. Geez I was so unprepared for this today.

I waited a month or so before adding my cotton candy torch, but I’m unsure on how long you should actually wait. I have a love/hate with torches, when it looks like that, it’s a 50/50 call. You can really try to revive it in a lower flow area with lower light. Closely watch it and make sure you don’t see anything messing with it, and if it forms a layer of mucus, that pretty much mean it’s decaying(at least from my knowledge). If the other head looks well, I would as a precaution cut the healthier looking head off in case of BJD. But again that will stress the crap out of it.

vetteguy53081 · Nov 19, 2020

Jd120988 said:
So should I just wait it out and see what happens? I don't have the credentials to make these kind of decisions lol. And I'm getting some mixed suggestions so I don't know who is right.

Yes- see if it improves over next 24- 48 hours. low light is best and again- moderate- not high flow.

tnewell · Nov 19, 2020

tnewell said:
I waited a month or so before adding my cotton candy torch, but I’m unsure on how long you should actually wait. I have a love/hate with torches, when it looks like that, it’s a 50/50 call. You can really try to revive it in a lower flow area with lower light. Closely watch it and make sure you don’t see anything messing with it, and if it forms a layer of mucus, that pretty much mean it’s decaying(at least from my knowledge). If the other head looks well, I would as a precaution cut the healthier looking head off in case of BJD. But again that will stress the crap out of it.

If it comes down to it, I would listen to @vetteguy53081. I am no expert, just giving tips from experience!

Jd120988 · Nov 19, 2020

Thanks guys I appreciate the assistance. I think I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens. If it gets worse ill yank it.

tnewell · Nov 19, 2020

Jd120988 said:
Thanks guys I appreciate the assistance. I think I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens. If it gets worse ill yank it.

Best of luck!! I’m saying a little prayer for it!

Jd120988 · Nov 19, 2020

Haha thank you, very much appreciated!

Jd120988 · Nov 20, 2020

RIP blue tip indo gold torch. I woke up to the remainder of the flesh covered in brown jelly. When I pulled it out and gave it the sniff test, it smelled like it was dying or partially dead. No spike in ammonia or nutrients though. The rest of the tank is looking happy. I'll try it again in a few weeks.

tnewell · Nov 20, 2020

Jd120988 said:
RIP blue tip indo gold torch. I woke up to the remainder of the flesh covered in brown jelly. When I pulled it out and gave it the sniff test, it smelled like it was dying or partially dead. No spike in ammonia or nutrients though. The rest of the tank is looking happy. I'll try it again in a few weeks.

Do a water change if you think it’s needed, I’m sorry man, just know we all go through it. It really sucks but it’s part of the hobby.