Hippo tang - issue identification

[shluffer]

I'm not sure what is wrong with this guy. I'm thinking it may just be a skin issue that needs to heal over time. He is currently in a QT, and I would like to move him to the main tank. I purchased him (at a deep discount) with this issue, so I'm not sure how long he has had it.

Low quality pictures attached. I would like to know:
What is wrong with him
If this is contagious
If I am safe top put him in my DT

He had ich earlier. He was treated with cupramine and has not shown any ich for 17 days.

 

[TampaReefer79]

I'm by far a disease expert, but looks like HLLE to me.

 

[shluffer]

Based on the pictures I have seen online, that is also my guess.

I'm thinking that I should put him in my main tank since it has additional filtration (protein skimmer and live rock) that my QT lacks.

I hear that I should soak the food in vitamens to help fight this. Any suggestions of viatmens to use?

 

[RBU1]

How long did you treat in Cupramine and at what level was it? If you feel confident you treated him long enough then by all means put him in the display. If you call Seachem they will tell you to treat at full strenght cupramine .5 for 3-4 weeks...

 

[shluffer]

interesting. There website says full dose for 14 days. I'm surprised they give a different answer when you call them.

I have been at >= .25 for 28 days, .5 for 26 days, Ich free and .5 for 24 days. I'm thinking I'm ok.

 

[RBU1]

I would agree

 

[bryan007]

Agreed as well on the ick. The causes of HLLE are not fully understood but it is believed that an excellent diet along with pristine water conditions will cure it. Also make sure you have a grounding probe in your tank as stray electricity is believed to be a cause as well. I soak all food three times a week in Selcon including NLS pellets which I presoak then let dry and feed over time. Very important to provide algae in this fish's diet as well.

 

[RBU1]

There is another member of RC that has talked about carbon fines causing lateral line. I have not had a problem and I run carbon 24/7....So I would just make sure you are rinsing it good if you are using carbon.

 

[shluffer]

Thank you everyone for your help.