Yellow Tang with problem

[ouccmich]

I aquired this previously set up 55 gallon tank three days ago. I have a 10 gallon sick tang as well. The yellow tang had a large pinkish spot on one side and a little one on the other (like a large gash, not really a spot---looks like a blob). Today it's white and flaky (white feathery like things protruding from the tang's side). I also have a blue damsel and a humma trigger. Perhaps the tang was injured in the move or by the humma trigger and it's healing now? Does anyone know if that's what a healing gash would look like, or does it sound like ich and the tang should be moved to the sick tank????

PLEASE HELP!!! ANY ADVICE TO THIS NOVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

[Awestralian]

Doesnt sound like ich. Ich is lots of tiny white dots all over the fishs body.

Id be more inclined to think the damsel would be the bully, if any, as Huma Huma Triggers (or Picaso Triggers) are not that aggressive and can be considered a fairly sociable fish, provided your tang is at least as big as it.

Is the problem getting worse?

[Junkzoo]

First off, Welcome to TRT, from one Hoosier Reefer to another!(where ya from?)
Also , a picture would help a lot of the tang,,,,
Yup the trigger could have inflicted the damage to the tang,,
not sure right off what to tell you to use to treat it tho,,,
Yes if you could move the tang to a smaller quarantine tank, the would be better, due the smaller size (less meds need to treat) and to give the tang a breather from possible future attacks,,
Was this tank a "got it as a package deal " from someone else?
and just re-set it up ?
reason i'm asking is, even in a 55 g tank, you still want to start off slow on fish,
You need to let the tank cycle/mature a bit b4 adding more bio-load in it.
a 55 will give you more leeway than a smaller tank will,,but you still want to take it slow regardless
maybe a LFS owner like Jenn with chime in on what meds to go with
(or some of our fishy "doctors" here )
Again, where you from in Indiana? maybe i can steer you to some good LFS(local fish shop) to check into for personal help,,,

Good luck , and again WELCOME TO TRT!

[ouccmich]

Maybe it is the damsel, maybe it's the trigger. I am from West Lafayette and could take a picture over to the local fish store tomorrow I suppose. That would probably be the best thing. I didn't think it was ich either. I got the tank from someone else, and with all the water and what not just reset it up here. All the fish seem to be doing really well, except for that spot on the tang. Thanks for alll your input. I can send a picture (can you post pictures on this site, if so how?).

[Junkzoo]

Close to Aquarium World in Lafayette?? They are good in the help dept.,,,

[ouccmich]

Yes!!! They Are Wonderful....that's Where I Get All My Fish Stuff....where Are You From?

[ouccmich]

Never mind, I can see where you are from. You sure can tell I'm new at this. Anyways, does anyone out there know if there is anything I should do for my tang?? I talked to the guy I bought everything from and he said she injured herself on a live rock when he was moving her. It was pink for a while, the gash on her right side is quite red today and the one on her right side was pink but since yesterday has a white feathery coat over most of it. Does that sound like healing? I'm a vet student but we don't learn much about fish. Also, how often/how much should they be fed? I'm feeding flake food and frozen brine shrimp (yellow tang, blue damsel, humma trigger). They sure do always seem ravenous!

Michelle

[JennM]

Did somebody call me?

It sounds like a mechanical injury that has had a bacterial infection set in. I'm not big on frivolous use of antibiotics, but it sounds like this time it might be indicated.

I'd try a freshwater dip - 5-7 minutes in fresh RO water to the temperature of your tank. This is to kill off the white stringy stuff (I don't know what that might be...)

Move the tang to the 10 gallon tank and you will have to watch the water parameters carefully. Keep the tang away from tankmates who might pick at the wound or attack.

For meds you can try Kanamycin, or Neomycin they are effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections. Dose per package directions. BE SURE TO DOSE THE FULL LENGTH OF TIME - 7 days. Don't quit just because the fish might look better. Not doing the full course of treatment can cause a bacterium to mutate and become resistant to that medication, so don't fool with it. If you aren't committed to the full course of treatment, do something else... Ruby Reef makes a product called Rally which is formalin-based but is effective against bacterial infections. A similar product called Revive is made by Fish Vet Inc. and I've used it with great results.

When using any medication, use caution and dose properly and watch your water quality. Especially with antibiotics - they kill bacteria -- any bacteria including the ones that denitrify.. so govern yourself accordingly with regard to testing and water changes.

You can also add some garlic to the fish's food - I'd be feeding daily to boost the fish's immune system. Garlic is an appetite stimulant and immune booster.

HTH

Jenn