Punchanello
Well-Known Member
I purchased a s,mall Desjardini and small Powder Blue tang 8 days ago. For three days they showed no signs of illness. No visual signs of ich, infections, parasites. Healthy appetite.
I originally intended to quarantine and observe but based on a lot of advice I decided to treat with cupramine prophylactically. On day 3 I started raising the copper level to .5 over the course of 2 days as instructed on the product (perhaps too quick?).
On the third morning of copper treatment both tangs were breathing and opening and closing their mouths rapidly. The Desjardini had stopped eating and looked to be losing weight rapidly. Otherwise both still looked fine visually with no apparant sores or parasites, strange swimming, gasping at the surface etc. I tested the ammonia (0), copper (.5) and salinity (1.026). I did a precautionary 60% water change anyway.
I came home that evening and found them still breathing rapidly. Desjardini still not eating, powder blue eating like a grub, both breathing rapidly, no other apparent visual signs of illness. I tested again. Salinity and ammonia still fine, but the copper was still at .5 despite the 60% water change. I repeatedly tested copper levels and was really careful when raising the levels initially so I was surprised by this. I did another 80% water change. They seemed to respond well and their breathing slowed down.
This morning I woke up and found them breathing rapidly again. I am at a loss and concerned for their welfare. I can't seem to find a possible diagnosis online. There's a possibility that I overdosed copper initially (although I am confident because I was cautious and repeatedly tested). Even so there should be very limited copper in the system now and the symptoms persist.
Am I missing something? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Tank is 40 litres, seeded with a sponge filter and air pump (in DT sump for months). Water 26 decrees Celsius. Small pump for water movement in tank. Using recently purchased Salifert test kits and refractometer.
I originally intended to quarantine and observe but based on a lot of advice I decided to treat with cupramine prophylactically. On day 3 I started raising the copper level to .5 over the course of 2 days as instructed on the product (perhaps too quick?).
On the third morning of copper treatment both tangs were breathing and opening and closing their mouths rapidly. The Desjardini had stopped eating and looked to be losing weight rapidly. Otherwise both still looked fine visually with no apparant sores or parasites, strange swimming, gasping at the surface etc. I tested the ammonia (0), copper (.5) and salinity (1.026). I did a precautionary 60% water change anyway.
I came home that evening and found them still breathing rapidly. Desjardini still not eating, powder blue eating like a grub, both breathing rapidly, no other apparent visual signs of illness. I tested again. Salinity and ammonia still fine, but the copper was still at .5 despite the 60% water change. I repeatedly tested copper levels and was really careful when raising the levels initially so I was surprised by this. I did another 80% water change. They seemed to respond well and their breathing slowed down.
This morning I woke up and found them breathing rapidly again. I am at a loss and concerned for their welfare. I can't seem to find a possible diagnosis online. There's a possibility that I overdosed copper initially (although I am confident because I was cautious and repeatedly tested). Even so there should be very limited copper in the system now and the symptoms persist.
Am I missing something? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Tank is 40 litres, seeded with a sponge filter and air pump (in DT sump for months). Water 26 decrees Celsius. Small pump for water movement in tank. Using recently purchased Salifert test kits and refractometer.
