Flame Angel parasites

[Big Jim]

10 days ago I got a Flame Angel. It has been in quarantine but 3 days ago I noticed it was losing color even though it is eating. I looked closely at it and thought I saw some type of parasite. I deceided to give it a freshwater dip and I found small clear/white disc like things left over in the water. There were only a few and yesterday I dipped again and there where a lot more. Today I dipped again, nothing seen in dip water afterwards. I also cleaned out the quarantine tank with hot water and rinsed everything real good. What are these small disc like things and how should I treat for them? My guess is flukes. Angels don't do well with copper and strong medications, am I doing all that I can with the dips? How long will I need to continue the dips if this is all I can do? Let me thank you in advance for your help!

[MikeS]

How is the fish doing now?

not sure on the discs.....scales maybe? :shock:

Mike

[Big Jim]

:wink: It seems to have most of its color back now. I was going to dip again today. The guy at my LFS said sometimes the adult parasites lay eggs and you can knock them out but then new ones appear. :evil:

[MikeS]

glad to hear the fish is doing better. I'd keep him in the quarantine tank for at least 2 weeks or so more (with no signs of parasites) before adding him to the main tank. What is your quarantine tank setup? does the fish have a place to hide like a PVC pipe while it is in there? The less the fish is stressed, the better it will be able to resist sickness/parasites.....

Mike

[Big Jim]

:-D Another dip yesterday, no signs of anything left in the water. Fish is eating and seems fine so far. I keep my quarantine simple, 5 gallon tank, small filter, heater, light,air hose with diffuser and a skeleton of a branching spiney coral for the fish to hide behind and around. I do plan on waiting at least two more weeks.

[Darlene]

Okay, I'm confused. But I'm new at all of this so that's not uncommon. How can you clean out your quarantine tank with hot water and then put your flame right back in it? Did you just mix up new saltwater? Doesn't a quarantine have to go through some kind of cycle? Or... :idea: ....this just dawned on me, did you take the water from your main tank?

[Big Jim]

:lol: Yeah, I use water from my main tank. What better way to intro the fish into your tank.