Magma Wrasse QT, is it still sick?

[Kaiser]

I have had a Magma Fairy Wrasse in my 55g QT for almost 3 months now (I got her on 7/24). A bit into my QT period, I noticed that she was flashing against the bottom of the tank. I immediately started to raise the copper level to 2.0 over the course of a week. I kept the copper level at 2.0 for 32 days and since then I've been lowering it. I noticed about an hour ago that she was making a twitchy motion and seemingly flashing, however it also seemed like this might just be when she got near the microbubbles from the HOB. The copper is at 0.25 right now, I was bringing it down so that I could begin a prazipro treatment. I have never seen any kind of external parasite on her since I got her, and she's always eaten like a champ. Could it be flukes? Could it just be the bubbles irritating her? Could she have ick? Thoughts?

 

[Qasimja]

if you had the fish in copper level at 2.0 for 32 days then i doubt its ich

 

[melanotaenia]

I have had a Magma Fairy Wrasse in my 55g QT for almost 3 months now (I got her on 7/24). A bit into my QT period, I noticed that she was flashing against the bottom of the tank. I immediately started to raise the copper level to 2.0 over the course of a week. I kept the copper level at 2.0 for 32 days and since then I've been lowering it. I noticed about an hour ago that she was making a twitchy motion and seemingly flashing, however it also seemed like this might just be when she got near the microbubbles from the HOB. The copper is at 0.25 right now, I was bringing it down so that I could begin a prazipro treatment. I have never seen any kind of external parasite on her since I got her, and she's always eaten like a champ. Could it be flukes? Could it just be the bubbles irritating her? Could she have ick? Thoughts?

It is probably reacting to the copper; fairy wrasses don't do well in copper. I would have QT without meds unless you saw outward signs of disease.

 

[Kaiser]

It is probably reacting to the copper; fairy wrasses don't do well in copper. I would have QT without meds unless you saw outward signs of disease.

I started the copper after seeing it flash against the bottom of the tank. Could it really be reacting still even if the copper is only 0.25?

 

[melanotaenia]

They can be pretty sensitive from the reading I have done on these guys; I have a Pintail I received a few months ago that I QT but did not use any medications because after reading about them I decided it was too sensitive and it would be better to just observe and treat if necessary. He did develop a cloudy eye from scratching himself on a rock in the first couple of weeks but otherwise has been fine. I have just read too many stories of copper and wrasse QT that did not go well, but I have also heard stories of people QT with copper without ill effects.

If I were you I would get the copper out and not medicate any more and just watch it moving forward.

My bet is your wrasse has no disease and just needs time away from medications. What kind of setup do you have for it in QT? They really like rocks and caves and overhangs so if it is not comfortable in your QT tank that could also be contributing to the behavior you are seeing.

 

[KJoFan]

Wrasses are also pretty well known to have flukes and/or internal parasites neither of which copper treats. It wouldn't hurt to remove the copper and observe for a few days. If it still seems to be bothered by something, I would highly suggest a couple rounds of prazi.

 

[Kaiser]

They can be pretty sensitive from the reading I have done on these guys; I have a Pintail I received a few months ago that I QT but did not use any medications because after reading about them I decided it was too sensitive and it would be better to just observe and treat if necessary. He did develop a cloudy eye from scratching himself on a rock in the first couple of weeks but otherwise has been fine. I have just read too many stories of copper and wrasse QT that did not go well, but I have also heard stories of people QT with copper without ill effects.

If I were you I would get the copper out and not medicate any more and just watch it moving forward.

My bet is your wrasse has no disease and just needs time away from medications. What kind of setup do you have for it in QT? They really like rocks and caves and overhangs so if it is not comfortable in your QT tank that could also be contributing to the behavior you are seeing.

It's got 2 ABS Tees to hide in. No rocks since I treated with copper. I observed this same flashing prior to adding any medication

 

[Kaiser]

Wrasses are also pretty well known to have flukes and/or internal parasites neither of which copper treats. It wouldn't hurt to remove the copper and observe for a few days. If it still seems to be bothered by something, I would highly suggest a couple rounds of prazi.

I had a feeling flukes might be the answer, however whenever I see flashing and scratching against surfaces my first thought is always ich

 

[Kaiser]

I had a feeling flukes might be the answer, however whenever I see flashing and scratching against surfaces my first thought is always ich

Do I have to fully remove the copper before treating with prazi? The copper level was pretty low but it's been a nuisance to remove it so far

 

[Jimmyneptune]

I think he may be sick of being in QT. Put him in your display.

 

[Brew12]

I had a feeling flukes might be the answer, however whenever I see flashing and scratching against surfaces my first thought is always ich

I normally associate flashing with flukes. I would move forward with pulling the copper and starting Prazi.

 

[Brew12]

A FW dip is a quick and easy way to confirm flukes, btw.

 

[melanotaenia]

Do I have to fully remove the copper before treating with prazi? The copper level was pretty low but it's been a nuisance to remove it so far

This fish has been in your QT for three months? It highly doubt it has flukes; it does not need to be medicated anymore. It has been stressed enough, it needs to be monitored and moved to a tank with rock and the like so he can feel comfortable.

You can dip him but I bet there will be nothing that comes off of it

 

[KJoFan]

Do I have to fully remove the copper before treating with prazi? The copper level was pretty low but it's been a nuisance to remove it so far

You don't have to fully remove it, however prazi will reduce oxygen levels in the water, so make sure to have plenty of movement/surface agitation if you decide to go that route.