[skylark]

I have had him now for 2 weeks and in that time I have yet to see him eat (that I am aware of) and I’m getting a bit worried that he may cross that line where even if he did eat, it would be too late. In the begining he was always frantically dashing about and now , well - he moves a lot slower but he is still alert.

He is in a quarentine tank still and every day I offer frozen Mysis, on alternate days I soak it in garlic as well.
After work I offer it Formula 2 green flakes and in the evening I place a bit of dried Green Seaweed for 2-3 hours
I also seeded the tank with some amphipods and some stomatella snails in case that helps as well.

I know he is slowly removing the red macro algae on the rock I placed in the tank. I see him ripping pieces up once in a while but he looks to be spitting it back out all the time, I find pieces stuck to the intake of the filter.

The filter is an Eheim filter with floss material only in it.
2-3 times a week I replace 4 gallons of water, it’s a 25 gallon bare bottom tank but I only have about 22 gallons of water in it. Temp is 78 and all the major tests (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) are all sitting at 0 and the salinity is 1.023.

Is there anything I can do to help him along further than I have been?. The main tank has 2 firefish only that love to eat. I realize that quarantine is usually 4-6 weeks but should I consider risking placing him into the main tank so he ’gets’ the idea of eating?

thanks

[jimw369]

When fish dont eat for it isnt a good sign. Maybe try some baby brine shrimp?

[skylark]

Well, it was a good suggestion but nope, didn't do anything. New development though, his eyes are now slightly protruding and look a little bit milky. Ever seen this before?

[jimw369]

Could be he is just weak and not going to make it or it could be what the fish gurus call "cloudy eye" and or "Pop eye". Maybe the fish is weak and came down with these other issues...dunno. I have always used Myracyn in a QT for those issues and seemed to clear up quite fast.

If he still is not eating thats not a good sign. Might want to read some stuff in the Reef Builders Library about fish sickness and some remedies.

[skylark]

I agree with you, I think the not eating weakened him to the point where he is now sick from this as well. I'll try the forum as you suggested too. I guess he is simply one of those that will not adapt unfortunately. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks

[pogodzib]

Do some research on how to best treat the CB, but I would not start the treatment until it is eating, unless you feel that the sickness is preventing it from eating. You are probably not at that stage just yet. Often, fish will be less inclined to eat if they are sick or under treatment.

I'd try feeding it some frozen brine (or live if possible) shrimp that has been soaked in garlic. In addition, I'd add a little bit of Stress Coat (Marine version).

BTW - If you get to the point that you feel you should start some type of treatment and the fish still isn't eating, your best be would be Melafix. Usually it won't hurt a fish's appetite substantially and it often helps cure popeye and cloudy eyes.

[skylark]

Yup, I think both Melafix or Myracyn would be good choices and I'll pick up one of the two tomorrow at the LFS. Given that he still does not eat I think I'll go ahead and treat him anyway. I see that he is frustrated/agitated, and the amphipod/stomatella population in the QT is as high as ever. I am still considering putting him in the 90 gallon and although I only have 2 purple firefish in there, I am worried about possibly introducing a disease with them. Perhaps the bacterial infection is an endemic type thing in which case I don't have to worry.

[skylark]

Update, I ended up using Melafix (I was not able to buy Myracyn as its a controlled antibiotic in Canada - its a special order & would have taken too long to get), but between a 25% water change and the Melafix the pop eye cleared up. So I have now crossed my fingers and placed him in the main tank. Right now he is cruising all the holes and caves and hopefully once settled down he can move on to the next hurdle - eating!

[jimw369]

If you can get him to eat Its probably going to get better what ever it was. usually QT periods need to last 10 days to be good.

[skylark]

Hey everyone - just to close this off. He finally started eating, someone suggested to put a trace of Cycop eeze into the tank a minute or two before feeding as an apatite enhancer and then add some green flakes soaked with selcon and boom, I have never seen anything gobble up food as fast as the coral beauty just did. It has literally been almost 4 weeks since he accepted anything and I gotta say I am relieved. Cheers