Someone tell me what the heck is wrong

[kouma]

This is annoying, now I am remembering why I left this hobby in the first place.

Had a flame angel (from fellow reefer), two clowns (LFS) and a cardinal bengali (fellow reefer) in a QT tank (30Gal). All were eating fine then flame stopped eating and started breathing heavily and died (see pic). This QT has been running for more than two weeks and levels are always 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and 0 Nitrate using RO/DI water.

Now both my clowns stopped eating and are breathing heavily and swimming funny (funnier than before). I dont think its ick, I cannot see the white spots. I did a 40% water change yesterday. These are the best pics I can get.

This is what I changed in the tank over the past 4 days:

1- 40% Water change
2- Reduced temp from 82F to 80F
3- Removed all the 40lbs of live rock in the QT, now its bare bottom
4- Added an air pump

I know I stressed the HELL out of them, but I dont know what I shall do. I regret putting them in the QT at all, I should have put them in the DT, I believe they would have had a better chance there. At least it has PERFECT filteration and water quality compared to a QT.

I have not added any medications.

 

[Deinonych]

There appears to be some sort of lesion behind the pectoral fin - could be a bacterial infection.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

You did the right thing putting them in a QT. Based on your water parameters I don't think it was water quality. The flame looks like it has tail rot, could have been bacterial.
Did you notice any scratching? Not that scratching is a requirement but it sounds like flukes. Flukes can then lead to a bacterial infection.
Did/could you do a freshwater dip on one of the clowns? You could also dose Prazipro. It is very safe and won't hurt the fish.

 

[kouma]

Hello Newsmyrna80,

I havent done anything yet. I am preparing fresh RO/DI water and matching it temperature in anticipation of any suggestions I might get. I am thinking maybe to try hyposalinity?

I did notice scratching, the clowns are trying to scratch their sides against the PVC pipe.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Hi,
I would go with Prazi if the clowns are trying to scratch. If you don't see any spots I would treat for flukes. You can use Prazi with hypo.