Need some advice...

[CanadianReefer]

So my typically very healthy naso tang is apparently struggling with some sort of issue. He hasn't eaten in 3 days. Doesn't even show interest. He has no obvious external signs of issue (no ich, no pinching at the belly, no fin or tissue damage etc.), but his poop has been completely white. Tons of white poop. Not necessarily long and stringy - most of it comes out looking like food that didn't get processed - but nonetheless, my best guess is an internal parasite of some sort (or he's super backed up...)

Typically I feed hikari spirulina brine and mysis combo with some selcon, but I thought as a nice treat, I'd switch it up to LRS reef frenzy. The day after I fed this product is when he stopped eating.

This could be completely coincidental, or perhaps the chunks were too big and something got stuck, or perhaps the product had somehow become thawed in transit before getting to my LFS and had some bacteria in it?? Though if it were the latter, I'd think more than one fish would be showing signs (mind you, he is the biggest pig of all my fish).

Anyway, I need some assistance. Typically I would mix up some food and add focus, metro and kanaplex - but he's not eating. Should I put him in QT and add antibiotics to the water? Will that be tremendously effective on an internal parasite? I know that they can absorb the antibiotics through their "skin", but I'm simply not sure how well this will work. Is there a better medication for internal parasites that could be effectively administered?

Lastly, my QT is typically used for copper. I've changed out as much of the water as I can in anticipation of having to move him, but there will be copper in the system. With copper present, will dosing antibacterial medication be dangerous? I suppose I could always dose my DT with Rally instead, but I don't think it's really meant for internal issues such as this.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[CanadianReefer]

@Humblefish ??

 

[Deinonych]

It's possible he could be constipated from the change in food. I'd give in another day or two to see if symptoms resolve, then move him to QT for treatment. Metro and Prazipro would be my first treatments. If you're worried about copper being in the QT, you can use a product like Cuprisorb or Poly-Filter to remove the copper completely.

 

[Humblefish]

It's possible he could be constipated from the change in food. I'd give in another day or two to see if symptoms resolve, then move him to QT for treatment. Metro and Prazipro would be my first treatments. If you're worried about copper being in the QT, you can use a product like Cuprisorb or Poly-Filter to remove the copper completely.

+1 If you elect to QT, there are two things you can do to help push things out:

1. Dose Epsom salt (a natural laxative) @ 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons (this can also be done in the DT).
2. Dose Kanaplex, which contains kanamycin and diarrhea is a known side effect (NOT reef safe however).

 

[CanadianReefer]

Awesome. Thanks @Humblefish !
I hadn't thought of Epsom salt. I've used the trick on my FW fish before, but I didn't realize it would work on SW fish as well. I'll try that, observe for another day or two, and if he's still not eating, I'll try to get him out of the DT and into my QT. I usually use a fish trap and some yummy food, but with him not eating or roaming much, I'll have to do it the old fashion way. Good luck to me, right? LOL

We are sure that Epsom salt won't affect my parameters or corals??

 

[Deinonych]

Epsom salt is just magnesium sulfate, so it will raise your mag levels. But, it shouldn't cause any problems with your corals.

 

[CanadianReefer]

Alright - well - I've bought the Epsom salt so I'll cross my fingers that this will do the trick. If not, I'll take him out, if I can, and QT him - but in a system this size, getting him out will be tough. I'll keep you updated ...