I just got a flame angel 3 days ago I put him in the QT tank, the same tank I just pulled 2 other fish out of a week ago. The flame angel ate the first 2 days but not much. I noticed some small white spots on the fish so I tested my water, notice that I had an elevated ammonia level and a small nitrate level. So I mixed up some new saltwater and did a 4 gallon water change on a 29 gallon system. The tank is a 29 gallon bare bottom couple pieces of PVC pipe and a hang on the back filter. What should I do? Should continue water changes should I add some type of additives. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Tom
Flame Angel sick
- Thread starter tenderuc
- Start date
Gwynhidwy
Meat Popsicle
First thing to do is deal with the ammonia. This can be accomplished through large water changes (>50%), adding some established filter media (like a filter pad from your DT), adding an ammonia absorbing media like Purigen, or treating the water with an ammonia binder like Amquel. Small water changes will not have much of an effect, though one fish in a 29G shouldn't be too hard to manage.
The best option would be to add established filter media and do a few large water changes until the bacteria in the media have a chance to deal with the ammonia. Use an ammonia binder if you can't get the ammonia under control with the other two, but be aware that ammonia binders can interfere with medications and so can any ammonia absorbing media. Make sure to remove any uneaten food.
Getting the ammonia under control is the priority, but you also need to determine what is causing the spots on the fish. If you can, post a pic of the fish. If you can't, a description of the spots and their locations could help. You might also want to look at the photos and basic symptoms of common diseases and see which one matches what you are seeing in your fish. This site is pretty good:
http://www.chucksaddiction.com/disease.html
The best option would be to add established filter media and do a few large water changes until the bacteria in the media have a chance to deal with the ammonia. Use an ammonia binder if you can't get the ammonia under control with the other two, but be aware that ammonia binders can interfere with medications and so can any ammonia absorbing media. Make sure to remove any uneaten food.
Getting the ammonia under control is the priority, but you also need to determine what is causing the spots on the fish. If you can, post a pic of the fish. If you can't, a description of the spots and their locations could help. You might also want to look at the photos and basic symptoms of common diseases and see which one matches what you are seeing in your fish. This site is pretty good:
http://www.chucksaddiction.com/disease.html
I have filter media in a drip tray of the main display tank, could I just cut a piece of it off and place it in the hang on the back filter. I just changed the filter yesterday when I did the water change. It also has carbon in it, should I take it out or just place the filter media from the main tank with it. Thanks he is not moving much at all now just kind of hanging out under the filter box. So I need to do something fast,thanks again. Tom
Gwynhidwy
Meat Popsicle
If the fish is in distress and you still have detectable ammonia in the water, you need to reduce the ammonia to 0 quickly or risk losing the fish. I would add an ammonia binder like Prime or Amquel and the part of your filter media you cut off. Place the media in the HOB filter where it will get the most flow. If you have any premixed water made up, do as large of a water change as you can. This will resolve the immediate ammonia danger.
If/when you medicate the fish you may need to remove the ammonia binder through water changes.
If/when you medicate the fish you may need to remove the ammonia binder through water changes.
OK I am mixing water and on my way to the LFS to get, some type of ammonia filter media and either Amquel or Prime. The spots look as thou it is ich, at first they looked as they were small air bubbles on him now they look to be more determined white specs all over the body. Is there something else I should buy while I am at the LFS. Thanks for your help. Tom
Gwynhidwy
Meat Popsicle
If you buy an ammonia absorbing filter media, make sure it is safe for marine use. Some are not, I know that Purigen is. Any water you mix up now really should sit, while being mixed with a pump, for a minimum of 12 hours and 24 is better. If you add prime or amquel to the tank, you can let the new water mix and do a change when it is ready. In the meantime the prime or amquel will keep the ammonia from harming the fish.
I have never used those copper medications, I use Cupramine. Don't add any meds while using chemical media (including any ammonia absorbers and carbon). Don't add any meds if you aren't sure they are safe to use after adding an ammonia binder. I know that Cupramine is affected by them, but other copper meds may not be.
I have never used those copper medications, I use Cupramine. Don't add any meds while using chemical media (including any ammonia absorbers and carbon). Don't add any meds if you aren't sure they are safe to use after adding an ammonia binder. I know that Cupramine is affected by them, but other copper meds may not be.
OK could not find any of the products I was looking for but talked to another long time local fish store owner and he said that the Prime was a good product but he did not stock it or any of the other products. He recommended treatment called Organi Cure said it was the treatment he uses for all his new incoming fish before they go into the tanks for sale. Had to do something he was looking very stressed. Thanks I will let you now how things go. I am still mixing for major water change. Thanks Tom
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