Questions about possible Black Ick

[davidcanupp]

I have a Powder Blue who had just recovered from regular ick. I have QTed him and he is eating and swimming very well.Today these brownish black spots showed up, they almost look like little hairs. I assume that this is Black Ick but i have little experience with this disease. I have copper safe in the tank and all my levels are good. I think that i caught it early but i don't know excatly what to do besides copper. Also, he has been in the hospital tank for one week already and they just appeared yesterday despite the copper. Any help would be greatly appreiciated.

 

[davidcanupp]

today the hair like things are multiplying and they are not only on his body but also on his fins. He also looks a little more stressed. They are dark brown and resemble stubble if that makes any sense. Do you have any idea what else it could be or any suggestions as to what i could do to treat him?

 

[beth]

Well, the "hair" description has me kinda stummped. Black Ick will look like tiny black pinheads. They will cover the body and fins. Since you are already treating with cooper, I would not try formalin, but you can do the FW dip.
What about hyposalinity?
Could the fish be suffering from copper toxicity?

 

[davidcanupp]

Well, i think tiny black pinheads would also describe his ailment. They are very small. I just ran out of my copper tests and i am on the way to buy some more. I will get back to you with the levels. What are the symptoms of copper toxicity?? Does it make sense to dip him and then place him back in the infected hospital tank? Depending on your response, i may turn to hyposalinity. Thanks for the help

 

[davidcanupp]

Thanks Trey, i will try those tomorrow. Hopefully he will get better. I appreiciate all the help.