Something to be worried about?

[kleach]

I have a Regal blue Hippo tang and have had it since 4/30/13 (almost 1 full year) and have never seen major health issues with it. A spot of ich every once in a while but otherwise a healthy eater and swimmer. A few days ago i thought I saw a white looking smudge on her yellow tail and didn't think much of it, maybe just a coloration thing.

Today I noticed another white smudge that doesn't look like ich. I'm not sure what it is but thought I should check it out and see if anyone has any thoughts. Water quality is in check, tank is 1 year old, tank mates are a 6 line wrasse, 2 mocha clowns and a few shrimp and snails.

The fish is eating like a pig but also seems to have a faster breathing rate from what I can recall she normally has. I did just add 2 jaebo pumps to the tank 2 days ago so maybe there is stray voltage from the new pumps? I'm thinking something is up with the pumps because since adding them even my clowns hang out in their "sleeping spot" in the corner of the tank and only have been coming out when I come by because they think I'm feeding them. Maybe its because its too much flow for them?

I have Ruby Kick-ich, Ruby Reef Rally and Melafix on hand. Please advise if you have dealt with a similar situation.

 

[kleach]

P.S. the white smudge is on her side right on the black stripe...

 

[HumbleFish]

Doesn't look too serious, although I would keep a close eye on it. Being you know the fish has Ich, that increases the likelihood of "secondary" ailments such as bacterial infections. FYI; the threat of stray voltage can be neutralized with a titanium ground probe.

 

[kleach]

Ok cool, is there any way I can test to see if I have stray voltage in the water?

I've monitored the tank for a few minutes and I also see the 6 line and Hippo look to be getting into it. They both pass each other with dorsal fins up and on high alert. The 6 line was doing a twitching motion that I've only seen my clowns do when determining who the submissive male will be. Haven't seen then attacking each other, but I can see how this would add stress to the tank which has always been peaceful. They've been together since July 11 in the same tank so this is a first for me to see any sign of aggression.

Maybe that's why my clowns are taking refuge in their corner of the tank while the big boys duke it out.

Possible the addition of the pumps and added flow would trigger something in the fish at act differently?

 

[HumbleFish]

Ok cool, is there any way I can test to see if I have stray voltage in the water?

Here's a good thread complete with a video on how to test for stray voltage: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2182599

I've monitored the tank for a few minutes and I also see the 6 line and Hippo look to be getting into it. They both pass each other with dorsal fins up and on high alert. The 6 line was doing a twitching motion that I've only seen my clowns do when determining who the submissive male will be. Haven't seen then attacking each other, but I can see how this would add stress to the tank which has always been peaceful. They've been together since July 11 in the same tank so this is a first for me to see any sign of aggression.

Maybe that's why my clowns are taking refuge in their corner of the tank while the big boys duke it out.

Possible the addition of the pumps and added flow would trigger something in the fish at act differently?

Most 6 lines are nice & cute when small, but turn into major a-holes as they grow. They strike with lightning speed. This may be what you're seeing on the tang. I have a Melanurus Wrasse who will absolutely beat the crap out of a CB angel from time to time. He hits him so fast that the angel doesn't even have a chance to fight back.

How much flow you've got going on and what size tank? Most s/w fish can handle a good amount of flow, provided they are healthy.

 

[kleach]

Thanks for the stray voltage link....I'll check that out.

I'm surprised to hear about the 6 lines and becoming a-holes. He was never one of my favorite fish and put him in to help a flatworm issue I used to have. I think there is some aggression because I saw the hippo tang hanging out with the clowns in the corner while the 6 line swam around the tank doing his display thing. Or maybe everyone is scared of the new pumps?

I didn't set the pumps on too much flow. Definitely less than what I have coming out of the return pump.