New, weak regal angel. Advice please

[NarakuAulonocar]

I might add some anecdotal experience has shown that angels do not tolerate hypo well. Both of my flame angels died next day when exposed to hypo. So if you are reducing salinity, go just a little lower. Not regals, but maybe similar experience could be applied since they are both in the angelfish family.

When I get my next angel, I would not treat with anything except prazipro until they start eating. They tend to come in with flukes but tolerate prazi OK.

You got some advice: lowering salinity is good, removing copper is good. Get some live food or something similar to Nutramar Ova. As Albano said above, Regal angels are notoriously difficult.

TeamRC members try to insure that contributors to threads are giving reasonable advice or at least not bad advice. There is no ego involved, it is part of the job description.

 

[NarakuAulonocar]

Epsom salt is added in malawi and tropheus cichlids to help with bloat. Maybe the same concept can be applied. If it were my fish, I would assume internal bacterial or protozoan infection. These tend to cause bloat.

I would add epsom salt (draw excess fluid out) and metro (covers anaerobic bacteria and protozoans) and a antibiotic like maracyn 1 and 2 (covers gram negative and positive). Normally we shouldn't do polypharmacy but I feel in this case, its all or nothing.

I would also slightly reduce salinity (not hypo) to help osmoregulate.

I would discontinue the prazi for now, unless you see dead flukes on the bottom.

Wanted to add. If you see stringy white poo, its more likely protozoan or worms than bacteria. Round worms are treated with fenbendazole or levamisol.

I don't recall ever seeing tape worms in marinefish. Prazi only treats tapeworm, which is why I recommended you to discontinue it.

 

[ca1ore]

In addition to above try clams on the half shell. A disease free reef tank setting is best for these fish to get them acclimated. Very few of us have nursed a Regal angel that was on death doorstep back to life. I would venture to say most people have killed healthy Regals more often than bringing one back from near death

Agreed! Getting a healthy specimen of any fish is important; particularly so for the Regal Angel (also for Tang ). I've had pretty good success with this fish IF healthy to start.

 

[Dmorty217]

I might add some anecdotal experience has shown that angels do not tolerate hypo well. Both of my flame angels died next day when exposed to hypo. So if you are reducing salinity, go just a little lower. Not regals, but maybe similar experience could be applied since they are both in the angelfish family.

When I get my next angel, I would not treat with anything except prazipro until they start eating. They tend to come in with flukes but tolerate prazi OK.

Steve doesn't advocate for hypo so I don't believe thats what he meant by lowering salinity... "Osmoregulation is easier at slightly reduced salinity" is what he said not hypo. In the order of effectiveness it goes TTM,CP, Cupramine then lastly hypo. I believe that hypo is a thing of the past and is by far the most difficult to do successfully

 

[snorvich]

Steve doesn't advocate for hypo so I don't believe thats what he meant by lowering salinity... "Osmoregulation is easier at slightly reduced salinity" is what he said not hypo. In the order of effectiveness it goes TTM,CP, Cupramine then lastly hypo. I believe that hypo is a thing of the past and is by far the most difficult to do successfully

The order of effectiveness (my preference) stated above is correct although I do not advocate for hypo ever. Many shippers keep their systems at about SG 1.017. My advice is to temperature acclimate in the bag (15 minutes) and place the new fish in matching SG receiving water. Never drip acclimate, especially if shipping was involved. If the shipping water was SG 1.025, I suggest slowly lowering it to about SG 1.017 until TTM has been completed as a minimum. I always use TTM and Prazi and then observe for at least 4 weeks, treating any problems that come up as appropriate to the issue.

 

[tylersarah]

Epsom salt is added in malawi and tropheus cichlids to help with bloat. Maybe the same concept can be applied. If it were my fish, I would assume internal bacterial or protozoan infection. These tend to cause bloat.

I would add epsom salt (draw excess fluid out) and metro (covers anaerobic bacteria and protozoans) and a antibiotic like maracyn 1 and 2 (covers gram negative and positive). Normally we shouldn't do polypharmacy but I feel in this case, its all or nothing.

I would also slightly reduce salinity (not hypo) to help osmoregulate.

I would discontinue the prazi for now, unless you see dead flukes on the bottom.

Wanted to add. If you see stringy white poo, its more likely protozoan or worms than bacteria. Round worms are treated with fenbendazole or levamisol.

I don't recall ever seeing tape worms in marinefish. Prazi only treats tapeworm, which is why I recommended you to discontinue it.

I second this recommendation.

 

[Dmorty217]

Just make sure the Epsom salt says USP on it. For popeye treatment from a injury the recommended dose is 1 TBSP per 5g. I have over dosed it in my tank before without any negative effects. Not sure if you should use the same amount for bloat or not

 

[3yellowtangs]

Thank you everyone for the help. Unfortunately it passed yesterday. Very bloated. The leason learned here is that this is not a species that ships well.

 

[ThRoewer]

Thank you everyone for the help. Unfortunately it passed yesterday. Very bloated. The leason learned here is that this is not a species that ships well.

I would rather say it is a species you should never buy without seeing the specimen in question up close and in person.

 

[DrPat]

Regals are my most favorite angel keep the water temp about 82F they like it warm, add kents garlic extreme at 1 drop per gallon daily and offer PE MYSIS as regals love shrimp, xenia, and zoas.AERATE WELL ,low light .If the fish is not showing signs of disease STOP TTM THEY WILL NEVER GET A CHANCE TO CALM DOWN and plenty of hiding places if you can add a few damsels or clowns to make her feel comfortable, and lean how to eat in captivity.

 

[DrPat]

OOPS sorry I just read the post about her passing.