Newbie disease help pls

[7eleven]

Hi,
I added two true percs. to my tank on wednesday (4 days ago). They are the only 2 fish in the tank along with some snails and two cleaner (skunk) shrimp. The tank has been up since May 6th 2004, and is a 30 gallon with 30lbs of LR and 2" sandbed.
The clowns ate sparingly - cyclop-eeze flakes, Omega one flakes and some other cheapo flakes. Sometimes they would eat a bit, most of it they would spit out.
Yesterday I noticed a white fluff just behind the dorsal fin of the small one. Checked in here and figured it was Brooklyns. Watched him all day and he seemed to be behaving normally - not eating much still.
Today the white is more on his face and gills. I am at work so I cant take any pics atm. before I came into work I set up my GF with the supplies to do a Formalin dip. Although Formalin isnt available in Canada, so we used a product called AP Quick-Cure contains formalin and Meth blue. We did the dip with 5 drops per gallon for 5 mins.
The fish is back in the display tank, he seems lethargic and still isnt eating. What should I expect after such an event for him?
Should the other clown be treated as well?
Also I have bought the supplies to setup a HT for him but I will not be able to until 7:30 am tomorrow.
Anyone have any tips for me for a fast HT setup or more treatment ideas?
MY GF also just phoned and said that she see's some white on the glass is this to be expected - I thought that was an Ick symptom? The fish REALLY looks like it had the brooklyn...
thanks for reading.

 

[beth]

There is a picture of percs in the FAQ Thread with brook. Is that what you are seeing with your fish? Did you follow the fomalin treatment which is detailed in the FAQ Thread? It is very important that you maintain aeration during treatment, as well as temperture. See if you can get a pic up.
There is also details on setting up a QT in the FAQ Thread, and several discussions within the past 2 wks where in the Disease Forum. You can do a seaach for that and post back if you need further help.

 

[7eleven]

Thanks Beth I have read those FAQ's.
Still a little unsure.
My perc does look like the one in the picture. Just not as much of it. It is limited to his head.
I couldnt completely follow the formalin treatment FAQ as it is not available to me, I used a different product that contains formalin. I had to use more of it for a dip as it is diluted in a solution with Meth blue that is meant as a treatment to tank water. Someone else had done it with success.
If I understand correctly I can take my tank water and put it into my QT tank and just make sure I dont let waste build up? This should keep it from cycling?

 

[sov82]

thats correct...but just make sure you test alot...ALOT...and if any signs of harmful buildup is found, have water premixed and ready for a change.

 

[7eleven]

Super thanks for the help. Another question if you dont mind.
Should I use a bit of sand and rock (I know it cant go back in display if I use medicine)?
And when you say be ready for a water change is that a 100% change?

 

[7eleven]

My Girlfriend found the Clown dead tonight. The other is still showing no signs of the disease other than his lack of eating.
My new question is, is the "tank" infected. I am going to treat the other clown for the disease and leave him in the QT. Is there a minimum amount of time that I need to leave the tank fishless? Like in a ICH situation? Thanks

 

[beth]

You can't really use any product with formalin in it long term. Formalin is formaldehyde and a very toxic substance. In the situation you had, I would continue performing short-term bathes [same as detailed in FAQ, only leave the fish in bath water for 1-1/2 hrs, and do the treatment every day for 5 days].
Right now keep a close eye out on this fish for problems. If everything is ok, you can think about more fish after a month. In the meantime, you can setup a real QT and get it ready for fish.

 

[7eleven]

Noticed this morning the second clown had some cotton forming around his gills - you could only see it under the actinics.
QT tank is setup and treatment has started. Hopefully he will be ok. His treatment has started much earlier than his friends.

 

[7eleven]

I have a 10 gallon tank, 1 piece of LR from my Display, water from my display, heater, thermometer, and a hob filter. I soaked the filter pad in the display water also. I have my perc in there now.
I am treating him with formalin dips. I want to keep him in my qt because my cleaners seem to prey on anything that is weak. He isnt showing signs of being weak yet but I want to be careful.
I have some new saltwater mixed and ready to move if I need to. After feedings I will vacuum up uneaten food. I have plenty of test kits available.
Anything else I should be doing or not doing?

 

[lionfish12]

take the ROCK OUT. make sure you have:
NO live rock
NO gravle
BLue or black background on the BOTTOM of the tank.
Most people put pvc pipe in their qt tank. Also you can put like fake corals and stuff but make sure you dont have GRAVLE OR LIVE ROCK IN THE QT TANK.

 

[boomper]

Agreed, the live rock/sand is only meant to be put in to start the cycle of the QT. Once it is ready for fish, put it back in your display. Also, do as Lionfish suggests and put a blue or black background on the bottom and back of your tank (you can even do the sides if you wish).

 

[beth]

What treatment are you going to give it? Are you going to follow what I said above?
Can you get a pic up of the fish?

 

[beth]

Are you giving the bathes outside of the QT? If the treatment is a bath outside of QT, you can leave the rock, because you need the rock for biofilter right now.
Also, it is best to keep the same topics together. Merge time!

 

[7eleven]

Thanks for the merge.
I guess I misuderstood what I was reading. I thought I needed the rock in there to help the qt cycle quick as it was just established and I needed to put my fish in there. Will take it out when I get home.
I tried to take some pictures today but they were to blurry to be any good.
I wish I could do the formalin bath as listed, however it is not available here. The treatment I am forced to give - the closest thing I can get to formalin. Is called AP Quick Cure. It is a mixture of formalin and Meth Blue. Package directs one drop per gallon to the tank for 5 days max. I started it today.
And yes I didnt mention but I have the tank bottom black and the sides and back is also black. Was done when I set it up.
Thanks for the help.

 

[7eleven]

Got some pics - not the greatest but you can see it on his left side the best.

Those dots you see in the final pick are from the glass I believe. I havent seen any on his fins like that.