Need help deciding to treat or wait

lagatbezan · Mar 3, 2020

Have a spotband butterfly in qt for a little over a Week. Day one got 30min formalin and has been in 2.29 copper power (Tested with Hanna checker) for 5 days now. For the past few days it has developed a little red spot on its face. Not sure if I should start treating with antibiotics while in copper or finish the 14 days in copper and treat once transferred into new qt.
I have not treated for flukes yet either which was the plan after copper treatment was over but I did see the Royal gramma in qt with him flashing a few times.
Have metroplex, kanaplex, furan2, general cure, CP and acrolflavine on hand.
Should I wait it out or treat?
#reefsquad

Big G · Mar 3, 2020

Beautiful fish!
Consider lowering the copper down to 2.0 ppm. Your fish's immune system is being suppressed perhaps a bit too much. And yes, I'd also get the antibiotics going asap. Those red sores can go sideways really fast. I prefer to use NFG powder as it seems to work more effectively on angels, butterflies, and tangs. But you have the "trifecta" of Kanaplex + Metro + Furan2 already on hand, and time is of the essence with those red sores.

Boosting the fish's immune system is so important. Consider adding Beta Glucan to its food. Mix Food + BG + Focus + enough RO water to make a consistency you can work with. BG tremendously aids a fish immune system. I highly recommend it, especially when dosing copper. Article below on BG:

Feature Article: Beta Glucan As A Biological Defense Modulator: Helping Fish To Help Themselves

Wouldn’t it be great if there were one thing that we could give any sick fish that could help it? Aquarists dream of a “magic bullet” that could be used as a treatment for a plethora of problems.

www.advancedaquarist.com