YWG hospital tank

[GT350pwns]

Going to be pulling my YWG out of the DT in about a week to treat what I think is a bacterial infection that I was hoping would clear up on its own. Well, it has done nothing but advance. The fish is doing well and still eating, but has taken to hiding more and I'm thinking it's because he is starting to feel sick.

So, the question is:

What do I need for a hospital tank for a yellow watchman?

I have an AC50 and some live rock rubble soaking in my waste bucket. Going to toss a couple of pieces of the rubble into the DT to get it seeded and will toss that into the hospital tank.

I know I'm going to need a thermometer and a heater. But, is there anything else that I'm going to need to help make him feel more comfortable as he gets treated?

Also, what is the best antibiotic for fish?

Is there any point in me "seeding" rubble for the hospital tank or will the antibiotics kill off any nitrifying bacterial on them?

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Seeding LR or sand takes weeks. You will not have time to do that but you can just take some out of the DT and put into the HT. I would actually take a small plastic container and fill with sand which will serve two purposes 1. Biological filter 2. Goby to sift/eat. I use the Chinese food plastic containers that are about 2" high. If you have any PVC or something for him to hide in that would be helpful. As far as the antibiotic it's hard to tell without knowing what kind of infection it is. Can you post a pic?

 

[GT350pwns]

Here is a pic from a day or two after I noticed the suspected infection.



It has since gone from white to a pale yellow with white around it. Looks to bleed on occasion, and has left a small crater in his side.

 

[HumbleFish]

I have a Blue Angel that skirmishes with my tangs, and sometimes his "battle scars" get infected like that. When that happens, I start soaking fish food in Selcon, Zoecon and Omega-3 fish oil every day until it clears. Hasn't failed me yet.

If the fish has had this for awhile, it's likely a gram positive infection. I would suggest erythromycin; gentle & effective. API is one brand you can buy, and most Petco/smarts I've been to carry it. Here is what it looks like: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16818

 

[GT350pwns]

Oscar has had it since a week or so after I bought him. I've not tried selcon, but have been soaking food in garlic. Just want to get the poor guy healed up!

Would a 10-pack be enough to get him right or would I need to buy multiple?


Thank you Humble

 

[HumbleFish]

Oscar has had it since a week or so after I bought him. I've not tried selcon, but have been soaking food in garlic. Just want to get the poor guy healed up!

Would a 10-pack be enough to get him right or would I need to buy multiple?


Thank you Humble

How big is your QT? Each pack treats 10 gallons, but you have to do at least 4 doses... maximum of 8.

So, for example, the 10-pack would be enough to treat a 10 gal QT. But anything bigger, and you might need more.

 

[GT350pwns]

It's a 10 gal, so there's my answer! Thanks again!

 

[HumbleFish]

It's a 10 gal, so there's my answer! Thanks again!

Good luck! Aerate heavily (or point a powerhead towards the surface of the water for better gas exchange); and don't be too surprised if his appetite gets a little suppressed from the antibiotics.

 

[GT350pwns]

Will an air stone suffice or will I need to look into a small powerhead for the HT?

 

[HumbleFish]

Will an air stone suffice or will I need to look into a small powerhead for the HT?

Air stone is fine, just crank it up so it's breaking the surface of the water. It's always a good idea to increase O2 whenever using any medication IMHO.