Bully in the tank

[doubledown]

I am in my 3rd week of hypo with about 8 fish in a 30 gallon Q-tank. My domino damsel is picking on one of my yellow tailed damsels so much that he has no fin left and looks like he has started biting at his side since some of the blue color is wearing off. Would it be safe to move my 1 damsel back into the display tank to seperate them or is it too soon (the were fine in my 140gallon together)? Any other suggesstions? I have 2 pieces of PVC pipe in the tank but the damsel has been pushed to stay up in the corner by the power head.
Thanks!

 

[beth]

Afraid not. You must maintain the infected fish in hypo for the full course of treatment--- 3 weeks AFTER all signs of ich as disappeared from fish. The problem, too, is that you need to acclimate the fish back to normal salinity as well.
You'll need to separate the 2 if you want to save them. Perhaps set up a bucket with a PH for the "bully" for the reminder of the treatment.

 

[doubledown]

Hi Beth,
Thanks for your advice,, I think it is just the domino damsel being the bully but not sure so should I take the beaten up guy out in the bucket instead? I actually have a spare 10 gallon I can use,,, can I just use some of the water from my Q-tank with a hang on filter?
Thanks!

 

[beth]

Well, it's a matter of opinion. I'd take the bully out. Chances are that once you remove the victim, the bully will just pick on someone else---especially a damsel. Removing the bully will disorient him and reduce his aggressiveness once he's returned to the main tank. However, if the victim actually needs to be treated with antibiotics, then I suppose you'd need to isolate him.