Gash, exposed flesh

[FloridaGirl]

Hello, I am new to saltwater and I recently purchased my first "test fish." It is a blue damsel. I think I may have been sold a sick fish. I didn't look at him when I bought him (first mistake). So when he was in my tank I noticed some white spots on the clear parts of his fins (possibly Ich), but also some larger, whiter spots on his sides. After 24 hours, the spots on the sides have gotten much larger and look like gashes. It seems as though his flesh is exposed. I feel terrible.

Should I let it run its course, take the fish back, or put it out of its misery?

I have a coral banded shrimp, snails, a hermit, and some LPS and zoos, so I can't dose with any copper medication. Also, I do not have a QT tank. This is the first fish to enter this tank.

If I need to remove this fish, is it possible that another fish will be exposed to the disease(s) this blue damsel has introduced?

 

[andrewsmart]

remove the fish and if you cant treat him euthenase him by puting him in a bag in the freezer. he will just fall asleep and die.

leave your tank fallow emty of fish for 6 weeks at least i would do 8 this will remove any ich.

get a QT tank set up in the mean time you wont regret it and it will pay for it's self.

qt all new fish for 30 days at least when you get them.

you just heed a tank, simple filter and heater for q/t get some pvc pipe in there as well.

 

[TerryB]

I believe it is our responsibilty to try and save every animal that we purchase. I would treat in a Qtank with hyposalinity. You should quarantine all new fish for 30 days PRIOR to adding them to your display.

Terry B

 

[andrewsmart]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9479309#post9479309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TerryB
I believe it is our responsibilty to try and save every animal that we purchase. I would treat in a Qtank with hyposalinity. You should quarantine all new fish for 30 days PRIOR to adding them to your display.

Terry B

i would second that damsels are hardy set up a q/t and treat him in there.

 

[FloridaGirl]

to make a QT tank, do I just need a heater and filter/pump? Do I need to have a skimmer? What about lighitng?

 

[FloridaGirl]

Do I still need to keep my display tank "fish-free" for 6 - 8 months??

 

[TerryB]

Simple Qtank consists of a large Rubbermaid container, heater, PVC pipe for hiding and a sponge filter driven by an airpump. Much better if the Qtank is cycled. I keep one at all times. Yes, the parasite will still be in your system for some time. IF it is ich then 30 days without fish is usually long enough. Many prefer longer to be safe (6 weeks). If amyloodinium then 60 days.

Terry B