Royal Gramma Ich?

[CudasReef]

Hey Everyone!

I ordered a tank raised Royal Gramma from a fish store thats about 4 hours from me and noticed possible ich on his fins/body today. He arrived VERY stressed yesterday (his first day). Today he is swimming around and eating! I've got him in a 20 gal QT tank with a PVC pipe, HOB filter and heater. I'm only three months into the hobby so I would love some knowledgable eyes to look at him. I'm keeping his QT water quality pristine for him.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Can you post a clear video of the fish?
Not all white spots are ich, and ich usually isn't visible for a few days after arrival, so seeing spots this soon may not be ich.

Jay

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Yeah, like @Jay Hemdal said, post pictures, and  please , post them in  white light. It makes it way easier for Jay to diagnose.  

Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[CudasReef]

Sorry guys! The attachments never uploaded.

 

[CudasReef]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Can you post a clear video of the fish?
Not all white spots are ich, and ich usually isn't visible for a few days after arrival, so seeing spots this soon may not be ich.

Jay

Good to know! The white spots are very spaced apart. Not sure why the attachment didn't upload the first time but should be good to go now!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Good to know! The white spots are very spaced apart. Not sure why the attachment didn't upload the first time but should be good to go now!

I see some possible ich spots on the fish. However, it is also breathing pretty fast. Early cases of ich don't cause that, so there is something else going on as well.

This post explains what background information can help us, at least to rule out some issues:

Some Helpful Hints When Posting or Responding to Threads in the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Section

Aquarium Fish Disease Problem Solving Determining the best course of action for a problem with your aquarium can be a difficult task. Even advanced aquarists will often need to seek the help of others for complicated or unique issues. Our intent here on Reef 2 Reef is to offer expert advice...

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In you case, it could be water quality issues, or another gill disease like velvet.

Jay

 

[CudasReef]

Thank you for the info! My QT was set up on Wednesday with new salt water. The fish arrived Thursday and I already have done a 25% water change on Friday. He looks to be breathing normally and is eating well.

PH @ 7.8
Salinity @ 1.026

Here's a video from tonight.

 

[CudasReef]

Phosphates @ 0.1
Ammonia @ 0.16
Nitrates @ 0.4

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Phosphates @ 0.1
Ammonia @ 0.16
Nitrates @ 0.4

I see some diffuse cloudiness on the fish's skin. That is likely excess mucus, from some skin irritation.

Watch that ammonia level - if it goes above 0.25, you'll need to manage it. Water changes don't do much for ammonia because without enough beneficial bacteria, it can build up faster than even 25% daily water changes can keep up with.

If you have bacteria seeded bio material you can move over to this tank, that will help. The "bacteria in a bottle" products can help as well.

I see you are in Canada. Without access to aquarium medications, you are pretty limited to how you can quarantine this fish. You should consider hyposalinity:

Hyposalinity

Hyposalinity Jay Hemdal 2024 This term refers to a long-term bath treatment for marine fishes in which the salt content of the water is lowered and held below the point that certain parasites can survive. The salt level reached, and the time of the treatment are the two variables...

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