To go fallow or risk it...?

scottaa515 · Nov 20, 2020

Looking for advice...

Ok, sorry if this is a long story...

Started back in September... I got two clowns from my LFS, had them in QT, and it appeared they had ich. I did the TTM method, and placed them into the DT after finishing that process. Waited a month, added some coral, all was well. Bought a yellow clown goby, he is in QT and doing great. Noticed for the last couple weeks (of course after I bought the goby) that my clownfish are flashing on the sand, and twitching/swimming erratically (not dominance "dance") as if they are trying it shake off the parasites. Looks like I messed up somewhere during the TTM process....

The clowns are colorful and active, but I suspect that the TTM didn't work and they are showing signs of ich? Do I just risk putting the goby in and seeing how he does? Or do I pull the clowns and put all 3 through copper and go fallow? I am asking because the clowns seem to be able to deal with it, but what about the goby? I don't really plan to add any more fish, and really don't want to go fallow if they can shake them ich. Also don't want to kill my new fish friends.

I don't really have a way to add UV to my system, and didn't know if anyone has had success with their fish managing the ich themselves? Will the numbers eventually over run them in the tank? Just planning on 2 clowns and a clown goby in a Red Sea E-170.

Thoughts anyone?

Rickybobby · Nov 20, 2020

I’d qt the fish in copper and go fallow

SaltyT · Nov 20, 2020

It may not be ich. It could be flukes. You could give your clowns a 5 minute freshwater dip to check.

Jay Hemdal · Nov 20, 2020

While TTM works for Cryptocaryon, (ich), it doesn't work at all for flukes and a lot of other diseases.

Are you seeing any white spots? Flashing without white spots is more likely flukes, although clownfish do not develop flukes as readily as some other fish species do.

Take a look at the link below my name here. It describes some hints about posting fish problems. A video taken under white light might help, as well as some additional info like water quality, etc.

Jay

scottaa515 · Nov 21, 2020

This is what I saw when I first got the fish, and began the TTM. Never saw these spots again, and had assumed that I had done everything right. Once they were in the tank for about a month they began swimming erratically and flashing on the sand. I was able to catch them out of the DT and now have them in QT, but have not started any treatment. They are acting healthy and well in QT.

Thoughts?

Jay Hemdal · Nov 21, 2020

Now that they are in a QT, as @SaltyT said, what about trying a FW diagnostic dip? Five minutes in pH adjusted FW, in a clean, dark container, cover to keep them from jumping. Do one at a time, just to ensure they handle it ok. Then, settle out the dip water, and examine the bottom closely (microscope really helps!) for flukes. Even if you don't see flukes, if the fish improve the day after the dip, you can be pretty sure the dip temporarily helped them, and you could then consider a prazi treatment.

jay

scottaa515 · Nov 21, 2020

Ok, any DIY to buffer pH? I don't have any buffer. I also have a few packs of safety stop. Would this be a substitute? If not I'll order the buffer. I've already got some Prazi

Safety Stop - Rapid Fish Quarantine Bath

Safety Stop is a simple and effective way to help protect your fish from serious unwanted disease outbreaks caused by external parasites, and bacterial and fungal infections. New fish are often the source of infectious diseases that can wipe out an entire aquarium. Be proactive and give your...

www.marinedepot.com

It's weird I haven't seen them flashing in the QT, though there's no sand or rock to rub on. Both are swimming like nothing is wrong. All parameters in the DT are in range, and coral/inverts are doing fine. The flashing wasn't a one-off thing, they've been doing it every few days for the past couple weeks, and both of them at separate times.

Thank you for all of the advice! @SaltyT @Jay Hemdal

Jay Hemdal · Nov 21, 2020

I just use dechlorinated tap water for FW dips, in my area, it has a pH above 8. You just shouldn't use RO/DI water, the pH can go really low with that. Not sure what to tell you about the lack of flashing in the QT!

Jay

scottaa515 · Nov 23, 2020

We have our first clue!

I saw this floating around in the QT with the clowns. Looks like stringy poop? I've read that this could be worms. Would you agree? I've got some prazi I will start treatment. Do you think worms would cause flashing?

Jay Hemdal · Nov 24, 2020

Stringy feces can be from internal protozoans, bacteria, worms, mucus from stress or diet issues. Of those, worms are the least often seen as the actual cause.
I would not expect any of those internal issues to also cause flashing. That said, it is pretty common for fish to have multiple issues going on.
Jay