small problem

[aileena]

i have a 29g with cpr skimmer backpack, 9watt sterilizer, 25pounds of LR, and a powerhead.
4 blue hermits
4 red scarletts
1 sand sifter starfish
1 emerald crab
3 trochus snails
2 green chromis
Problem is that tank has been up and running for about 2 months, and the chromis have some type of parasite. They shake sometimes and rub against things. I want to get a few more chromis but cannot until I fix this sickness. I have been feeding them garlic in food. And the UV sterilizer has been hooked up for about a week now! afraid to add any fish and cannot use copper since it will kill inverts. Just cannot seem to kick this disease!!!
Temp of water 76-78 and the salinity 1.024 give or take .001 What can I do??? I don't want to set up a hopsital tank cause even if i do the parasite will still live in the main tank right?
HELP?

 

[beth]

Are you actually seeing any visible signs of parasites, besides the rubbing and shaking? Be sure to take a very good, close look. Use a magnifying glass.

 

[aileena]

i cannot say that I have actually seen any parasites; however, what else would cause the fish to flicker and rub against the live rock. There are no real signs of any disease that I have read about! I feed garlic, siphon the crushed coral and have the UV steralizer to try and break the cycle of whatever it is that is causing them to flicker. I am totally dumbfounded.

 

[aileena]

Can anyone help me out here??? I am at a real loss! I want to add more Chromis and 2 Clowns put I am afraid to because the 2 Chromis I have still flicker and rub against the LR! The situation has improved significantly since I got the UV but what shall I do???

 

[clarkiiboi]

I have 1 damsel that "shakes" at times, I thought something was wrong with it, but 3 months later still no sign of anything and doesnt do it as much. Have you looked at the fins? that is usually the first place I see Ich, if you feel that may be what it is.

 

[rockster]

I would not add any fish at this time just to play safe. Observe them for a few weeks. Overt infestation may show up within this time. If they remain healthy and shows no signs of infestation during this observation time, you may start your new addition. Meanwhile, garlic glazed food is not a bad idea. Just my .02

 

[aileena]

I have despite good wisdom added another green chromis to the tank. I am interested to see what will happen. I have been closely observing the now 3 chromis! The old 2 seem to shake on occasion, but the new one has not started to do it yet! The cleaner shrimp is all over the new fish however, which is a good thing! I will continue to feed garlic and see how much the UV Steralizer helps the situation! Water conditions are excellent, and I wish I could put my finger on the problem. Hopefully by watching this new chromis closely I will get a chance to watch the cycle and try and break it. Any other opinions would be helpful. Thanks to those you replied so far!

 

[aileena]

TERRY
Thanks for the imput. The two older chromis have been in the tank for about 2 months and have shown signs of flickering for about 1 month. I added another chromis the other day to see what effects the tank may have on him. It has been two days and no visible signs of shaking or flickering. The rubing against the LR seems to have stopped altogether.
What do you mean a formelda dip??? I know what hyposalinity is, but I would rather do a freshwater dip instead rather than risk the health of my inverts! I continue garlic feedings and the 9 watt UV is working well! I will siphon out 5 gallons sometime this week and do a water change. This will hopefully help break the cycle!
What temp should the water be? I am always between 76-78 is this correct? What should I be feeding the fish and the inverts? Now I use a mix of FLAKE FOOD and MINSE SHRIMP. Is this adaquate for the 3 chromis diet? Not to mention the hermits, trochis, sand star, emerald crab, cleaner shrimp and popcorn shrimp (little red shrimp)?