I've recently noticed an increased number of "blotches" on my Blue Tang. He's been in the tank for about 2 years. He had ick early on, but a QT copper treatment cleared it up. A minior re-appearance about a year ago was squelched by Kick-Ich.
Now he appears to have (white) lesions where his scales are damaged. I've noticed a few for a while (mostly on his nose), but I thought they were scratches from hiding in the rocks. Now the damage has spread to his sides as well.
He is still active and has a good appetite. I know my nitrates are high 20--40 ppm, and I'm in the process of lowering them with water changes and a sulfur denitrator. However, I wouldn't expect those levels of nitrate to hurt fish.
Any ideas on the cause and treatment? Would some garlic soaked Nori help at all?
He is in a reef tank, so I'll have to remove him for any treatment. That may be tough, ever since I snagged him at dinner for the initial ich treatment, he goes into hiding whenever I get near the tank. With 120 lbs of life rock, I'd have to practically destroy my tank to get him out.
Thanks.
Now he appears to have (white) lesions where his scales are damaged. I've noticed a few for a while (mostly on his nose), but I thought they were scratches from hiding in the rocks. Now the damage has spread to his sides as well.
He is still active and has a good appetite. I know my nitrates are high 20--40 ppm, and I'm in the process of lowering them with water changes and a sulfur denitrator. However, I wouldn't expect those levels of nitrate to hurt fish.
Any ideas on the cause and treatment? Would some garlic soaked Nori help at all?
He is in a reef tank, so I'll have to remove him for any treatment. That may be tough, ever since I snagged him at dinner for the initial ich treatment, he goes into hiding whenever I get near the tank. With 120 lbs of life rock, I'd have to practically destroy my tank to get him out.
Thanks.
