What is on black tang?

[matthew_coletta]

Hi all,

Recently all three of my black tangs caught marine velvet from my display tank. Quickly caught them and have been in copper about 16 days. All velvet is gone, but there are not some discolorations on them. I’ve read this can happen as a result of copper, but want to ensure this isn’t a secondary bacterial infection. TIA. Pictures posted on the thread.

They are currently in a 65 gallon with a smaller achilles tang, who also caught velvet. This one is separated because he’s the most aggressive.

 

[sc50964]

It’s hard to see but are you referring to those white smudges? Could those be from fighting?

Velvet isn’t completely gonna be gone after just 16 days.

 

[Sharkbait19]

If any fish had velvet, all should be quarantined in copper for 30 days to eradicate the disease. It’s hard to make out the smudges, but it could be either a stress coloration or secondary bacterial infection as a result of the velvet.

 

[matthew_coletta]

It’s hard to see but are you referring to those white smudges? Could those be from fighting?

Velvet isn’t completely gonna be gone after just 16 days.

That’s very possible. He has escaped out of the bin a few times already.

That’s good to know. Is it possible that’s residual from velvet?

 

[matthew_coletta]

If any fish had velvet, all should be quarantined in copper for 30 days to eradicate the disease. It’s hard to make out the smudges, but it could be either a stress coloration or secondary bacterial infection as a result of the velvet.

That’s what I’m thinking too. It could be either. Although I’d rather treat for bacterial preemptively. Would you say kanaplex metroplex combo?

 

[sc50964]

That’s very possible. He has escaped out of the bin a few times already.

That’s good to know. Is it possible that’s residual from velvet?

I don’t think velvet is gone yet so it’s too early to talk about velvet residual which I’m unsure if such thing even exists.

Can you show the 65g QT setup? Maybe time to put in some egg crates

 

[matthew_coletta]

I don’t think velvet is gone yet so it’s too early to talk about velvet residual which I’m unsure if such thing even exists.

Can you show the 65g QT setup? Maybe time to put in some egg crates

 

[matthew_coletta]

I don’t think velvet is gone yet so it’s too early to talk about velvet residual which I’m unsure if such thing even exists.

Can you show the 65g QT setup? Maybe time to put in some egg crates

That’s a good point. Going to lessen my concern for the time being since it could still be from velvet.

 

[Sharkbait19]

You usually don’t see any white when velvet is affecting a fish - it’s mostly behavioral (fast breathing primarily).
You can try kanaplex, but I would focus on finishing copper first.

 

[sc50964]

That’s a good point. Going to lessen my concern for the time being since it could still be from velvet

IME, infection shows up with red sores or cloudy eyes so I don’t think those white smudges are it.

 

[matthew_coletta]

IME, infection shows up with red sores or cloudy eyes so I don’t think those white smudges are it.

That’s a huge relief. I know there’s still a possibility, but I don’t see any cloudy eyes or sores at this point.

 

[sc50964]

Your tank looks like it’s more tall than long or wide, not an ideal QT to house many fish IME. Using egg crates to divide them will help, but if I were you, I would set up four 20L tanks to QT them separately. Today is Labor Day and Petco is running a $1.5/gallon sale.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all,

Recently all three of my black tangs caught marine velvet from my display tank. Quickly caught them and have been in copper about 16 days. All velvet is gone, but there are not some discolorations on them. I’ve read this can happen as a result of copper, but want to ensure this isn’t a secondary bacterial infection. TIA. Pictures posted on the thread.

They are currently in a 65 gallon with a smaller achilles tang, who also caught velvet. This one is separated because he’s the most aggressive.

Please post pics under white light intensity for accurate assessment. Its impossible to diagnose a dark fish in dark lighting

 

[matthew_coletta]

Please post pics under white light intensity for accurate assessment. Its impossible to diagnose a dark fish in dark lighting

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you and this appears to be scrape injury (possibly from the rock within the housing) and has developed what appears to be bacterial. Fish will have to be treated in a separate quarantine tank with Seachem Kanaplex. Some pics suggest possible skin irritation and even mucus cones but cannot tell as lighting is still somewhat dark ( need bright white- no blue)

 

[matthew_coletta]

Thank you and this appears to be scrape injury (possibly from the rock within the housing) and has developed what appears to be bacterial. Fish will have to be treated in a separate quarantine tank with Seachem Kanaplex. Some pics suggest possible skin irritation and even mucus cones but cannot tell as lighting is still somewhat dark ( need bright white- no blue)

Kanaplex can’t be mixed with copper?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

The trouble with black tangs is that they show every little skin issue so vividly....

Any protozoan infection runs the risk of secondary bacterial infection, as copper doesn't help with that aspect.

What copper product are you using? If coppersafe or copper power - as long as the water quality is being maintained, I would just watch things for now and finish up with the copper in 30 days.

Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

Kanaplex can’t be mixed with copper?

Kanaplex can be mixed with copper. Just add extra aeration with air stone for added gas exchange

 

[matthew_coletta]

The trouble with black tangs is that they show every little skin issue so vividly....

Any protozoan infection runs the risk of secondary bacterial infection, as copper doesn't help with that aspect.

What copper product are you using? If coppersafe or copper power - as long as the water quality is being maintained, I would just watch things for now and finish up with the copper in 30 days.

Jay

Yes that’s a good point.

I’m using copper power. Yes this tank has a full sump with filter pads and skimmer etc.

 

[matthew_coletta]

Kanaplex can be mixed with copper. Just add extra aeration with air stone for added gas exchange

Good to know. Will do that shortly. Thanks!