Blue Tang scratching

[bif24701]

My blue tang is scratching occasionally. That's it, eats like a pig. He has no visible signs of anything that I can see. I have a very strict QT and treatment process. I QT for at least 4 weeks and use Prazipro (two doses), if I see crypto I use hypo and has been effective. I have no crypto in display. I was thinking he could have an intestinal thing and considering treating with metro/focus food soak method.

Other than this issue all my fish are healthy, basically perfect if I do say so.

Please give me your thoughts and advise.

Here are my Tangs eating just the other day.

https://youtu.be/oNRrf5J2ek8

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[bif24701]

Thoughts, anyone?


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[scooter31707]

How are your water parameters. I had this issue before was thinking it could be, well I tested my water and my Alk was too high at 13. Once I got it back down to normal, my tang stopped and I have not seen him do it anymore. Just a suggestion.

 

[ThRoewer]

4 weeks of quarantine is not enough, minimum should be 8.
Scratching can indicate a lot of issues and parasites, but ich is the most likely. It may have been in your tank all along and all your other fish have just sufficient immunity to be symptom free. That scenario fits best with the new fish showing symptoms but the old ones not.

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[bif24701]

How are your water parameters. I had this issue before was thinking it could be, well I tested my water and my Alk was too high at 13. Once I got it back down to normal, my tang stopped and I have not seen him do it anymore. Just a suggestion.

ALK is 9.3
Cal 420
Mag 1359
NO3 2ppm
PO4 .02




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[bif24701]

4 weeks of quarantine is not enough, minimum should be 8.
Scratching can indicate a lot of issues and parasites, but ich is the most likely. It may have been in your tank all along and all your other fish have just sufficient immunity to be symptom free. That scenario fits best with the new fish showing symptoms but the old ones not.

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If I QT for 8 weeks someone would say 12 weeks is needed. I for got to mention I did hypo on all my fish, that was 4 weeks. Total was in fact 8 weeks give or take. I discuss my QT and hypo procedures in my build thread if you have questions about that. I feel confident that my system is crypto free of course there is no guarantees.

Most likely ich, sure ill buy that. Considering I did hypo on all my fish I don't see that. I have 5 tangs and none of them show any signs of it. My Naso was purchased, hypo, and QT'd with the blue tang. They never showed signs of it in QT and the Naso shows no signs of it now.

Other than the slightest fin fray the Blue Tang shows no other symptoms beyond the scratching.

He isn't at all shy, eats very well, his color and skin are flawless. Not even the slightest HLLE.

Is it not possible to be something else? He did have a scratch on his side and it has healed. He didn't do any scratching before that. Maybe he is still healing from that?


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[bif24701]

Here are some pictures

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[bif24701]

You know what, there are some Aiptasia where he sleeps, maybe they sting him and cause irritation?


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[bif24701]

Thoughts?

I guess since he seems fine I won't rush into anything and monitor it closely. I have a 40 gallon QT ready and cycled at all times just in case I need to treat someone.


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[bif24701]

I observed the Tang for an hour yesterday and another hour today. Still nothing I can see on this external. Didn't scratch either. I will continue to monitor. Here's too hope.


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[bif24701]

Still scratching, I've been feeding my fish with metro Laced food for the last week or so. Tang still looks ok but today I've noticed a little damage to it fin. I suppose I have two options.

One, take all fish out again, treat for ich in QT, again, leave display fallow again.

Two, keep the status que, hope nothing bad happens, just be ready if/when it does.

I have a 40 gallon QT so not tiny but also not really great for 5 tangs. This sucks. I really thought I had done everything right.


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