Is this ich? How to tell??

[ryan c 0_o]

Hi everyone, new to the community. Thanks in advance for any input you may be able to provide!

I just got a dog-faced puffer, about 48 hours ago and I didn't really notice anything wrong with him when I picked him up. He has been pretty reclusive so far (as I expected him to be so short after adding to the tank) pretty much cruising around for a couple minutes then retreating to some of my live rock caves. I have a 60 gallon tank with about 75+ lbs of premium live rock.

When looking closely today I noticed some cloudy spots on his left fin mostly. I tried to take a screenshot from the video I took. The spots are not anywhere else and his eyes are clear. I don't know how to properly diagnose weather or not this is ich.

No other fishies show any signs - stars and stripe puffer / cortez ray / yellow tang

I shot a short video - Is there anyone that can help me identify with a quick email video??

Thanks!

 

[b0bab0ey]

The white spots on his left fin look too big to be Ich. Most likely Lymphocystis, a virus which usually goes away on it's own. Keep excellent water quality and feed vitamin-enriched nutritious foods to help his immune system fight it off.

 

[MrTuskfish]

The white spots on his left fin look too big to be Ich. Most likely Lymphocystis, a virus which usually goes away on it's own. Keep excellent water quality and feed vitamin-enriched nutritious foods to help his immune system fight it off.

I agree, I think. I'm not that good with pics, but sure can't rule out ich from what I see. I'd Google both "marine ich'' and " Lymphocystis" and decide. Include google images. The sheer number of spots resemble parisites.
Just a comment; IMO, you have several fish that are too big for a 60 gal tank. A S&S puffer can reach 20". I'm not a ray person, but can't imagine a cortez ray in a 60 gal. tank. I'd suggest you research fish, including their adult size, before purchasing. I sure wouldn't add any new fish and you need to watch water quality with this group.

 

[snorvich]

My eyes are not good enough to determine from the picture. Density of spots would favor ich. Fish are much too large for that sized tank.

 

[ryan c 0_o]

Thanks for the quick info!

Ya, I just went to the tropical reef store and filled 30 gallons of seawater, Im gonna start with about a 20% water change, then every other day change out 5 gallons or more. I also started my Vector UV sterilizer (rated for 200 gallon tank) to make sure I zap any free floating parasites that may be there. You think that will be ok?

I don't know - it must have come from the store when I purchased him. Everyone one else was cool. I've been watching.

With regard to their size - I know they get big, but they are awesome - I wont keep them in there when they get too big - I'll make sure they get a bigger tank, knew that from the get go. I went 2 even 3 times bigger with my Protein Skimmer, Phosphate Reactor & UV Sterilizer too, to make sure water is good and clear. My buddy at the fish store said no problem with the ray - they are cool at this place and will provide store credit if he isn't comfortable - but he is doing good.

Anyway - thanks again everyone!!

 

[MrTuskfish]

Thanks for the quick info!

Ya, I just went to the tropical reef store and filled 30 gallons of seawater, Im gonna start with about a 20% water change, then every other day change out 5 gallons or more. I also started my Vector UV sterilizer (rated for 200 gallon tank) to make sure I zap any free floating parasites that may be there. You think that will be ok?

I don't know - it must have come from the store when I purchased him. Everyone one else was cool. I've been watching.

With regard to their size - I know they get big, but they are awesome - I wont keep them in there when they get too big - I'll make sure they get a bigger tank, knew that from the get go. I went 2 even 3 times bigger with my Protein Skimmer, Phosphate Reactor & UV Sterilizer too, to make sure water is good and clear. My buddy at the fish store said no problem with the ray - they are cool at this place and will provide store credit if he isn't comfortable - but he is doing good.

Anyway - thanks again everyone!!

Assuming this is Ich: First, read the ich stickies at the top of the disease forum. Water changes and UV will not prevent or cure ich. If one fish has ich, all of your fish do or will and they all need to be treated. This is a serious condition. The only ways to cure ich are copper (not usually good with puffers, there are conflicting opinions), hypo-salinity, or tank-transfer. You need a QT to properly treat ich and should use a QT regimen on all new fish. IMO & IME, its vital for long term success in the hobby. I don't know about treating the ray, someone will chime in. If this is ich, and you don't take it seriously, I'm afraid your fish are in real trouble.
I don't want to insult your buddy at the LFS; but he seems to know less about SW fishkeeping than my Springer Spaniel. He does sound good at selling equipment, but that won't keep your fish alive. Do some research on the needs of rays; a Cortez in a 60 gal with 75# of LR is so far beyond what a responsible LFS would suggest, I'm afraid to comment. If you want to enjoy this great hobby; I'd do some serious research. Maybe start by reading Bob Fenner's book "The Conscience marine Aquarist".

 

[b0bab0ey]

Maybe start by reading Bob Fenner's book "The Conscience marine Aquarist".

+1 That book and "Natural Reef Aquariums" by John Tullock are the 2 best I've ever read.

 

[snorvich]

+1 That book and "Natural Reef Aquariums" by John Tullock are the 2 best I've ever read.

Both are excellent. For aquarium related stuff Anthony Calfo is pretty good. For technical marine biology issues, I recommend Stephen Spotte