Petco rescue, two tangs

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Someone start collecting and mail a check to the LFS.

 

[Mjrenz]

Any chance you can provide the number for your LFS?

It's 804-379-2466. They do service work in the morning so the store opens at 12

 

[gobble]

Question, why do these tangs need copper treatment? It's pretty clear they sat at Petco for a long time. If they had velvet or ick wouldn't they have shown symptoms and died from it a long time ago?

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Question, why do these tangs need copper treatment? It's pretty clear they sat at Petco for a long time. If they had velvet or ick wouldn't they have shown symptoms and died from it a long time ago?

You are largely correct of all fish that could be exposed a Tang would typically show symptoms but there are cases where velvet or ich can be harboring in the gills. Running copper is just an insurance policy to help ensure the fish are clean.
I would run them through every treatment possible imo because of the poor health they were in at time of purchase.

 

[tdlawdo]

Question, why do these tangs need copper treatment? It's pretty clear they sat at Petco for a long time. If they had velvet or ick wouldn't they have shown symptoms and died from it a long time ago?

I think he said that petco has just gotten this shipment in and they had not been there long

 

[Jeight]

Theres an interesting argument in another thread about dosing copper as a preventative measure and how it actually lowers immunity @Lasse makes a very strong argument for not running copper unless it is absolutely necessary.

Side note I have been watching this thread since you made it and #1 your doing Gods work here and #2 I have a petco near me and I had to stop going in because I wanted to rescue everything everytime...last time I was in there is was a 24.99 snowflake moray that just wanted me to love him but I could not take him home and it made me feel awful. I asked what they were feeding him and the answer was oh he eats flake food like the rest of the fish...they ALL eat flake food. Places like Petco should need a license to sell fish that are not feeders and betas.

 

[BestMomEver]

I’m proud to call @Mjrenz an internet reefing friend. Your dedication to those tangs and the hobby in general is commendable. I will donate too. If I were doing what you’re doing, I don’t think I could watch them go to someone else. Good work, my friend!

 

[4FordFamily]

Question, why do these tangs need copper treatment? It's pretty clear they sat at Petco for a long time. If they had velvet or ick wouldn't they have shown symptoms and died from it a long time ago?

For one, they usually keep fish in low levels of copper for the duration of their stay at Petco, which keeps parasites from taking over. As soon as they're removed from sub-therapeutic copper, they are at grave risk since the parasites can reproduce unabated.

 

[jsvand5]

BTW, a salifert nitrate test kit was in my cart with brs until I had to buy everything else

Salifert’s nitrate kit kind of sucks IMO. Check into this one. Faster and easier.

https://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?p=R&srid=S1-3DFWP&lbc=bulkreefsupply&w=Nitrate kit&url=https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nitrate-reefer-nyos.html&lgsku=208967&rk=5&uid=79658368&sid=1&ts=custom&SLIPid=1555684839951&rsc=f81Xl0pzYJivU91g&method=and&isort=score&view=grid

 

[MombasaLionfish]

I want to know, how can I help?

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

For one, they usually keep fish in low levels of copper for the duration of their stay at Petco, which keeps parasites from taking over. As soon as they're removed from sub-therapeutic copper, they are at grave risk since the parasites can reproduce unabated.

This is totally false. Petco initiated the "going Blue" policy years ago and stop using all chemical medication including copper and formalin. To be clear, it is against store policy to treat tanks with copper. Verified by their corporate office in San Diego, CA.

 

[4FordFamily]

This is totally false. Petco initiated the "going Blue" policy years ago and stop using all chemical medication including copper and formalin. To be clear, it is against store policy to treat tanks with copper. Verified by their corporate office in San Diego, CA.

My local Petco did not get that memo, but in fairness I haven't tested their water for copper in probably 2-3 years. In any event, this is pretty common practice in the industry.

It's clear they aren't willing to treat fish in their tanks that are ill, so I certainly believe you.

 

[Mjrenz]

I want to know, how can I help?

If you would like to help I posted the contact info earlier today for my lfs, thank you!

 

[MombasaLionfish]

I live near you I can do more. I live in springfield VA.

 

[ScooterV]

Speaking of copper...... If/when it's time to use copper does anyone live close enough to lend a couple of 10 gallon tanks and small heaters? Just thinking these fish have been through enough, and 30 days of copper won't make them happy. The 14 days and then to a new sterile tank sounds better for our new poster fish :)

 

[MombasaLionfish]

Unfortunately all my 10 gallons are being used.

 

[Mjrenz]

I live near you I can do more. I live in springfield VA.

I'm not even really sure what to ask for, I'll give it some thought

 

[Mjrenz]

Speaking of copper...... If/when it's time to use copper does anyone live close enough to lend a couple of 10 gallon tanks and small heaters? Just thinking these fish have been through enough, and 30 days of copper won't make them happy. The 14 days and then to a new sterile tank sounds better for our new poster fish :)

The two heaters I'm using now are a 100w and a 50w. It's warm here and I usually keep my house at 73 so they will probably be sufficient for 10 gallon tanks if I can borrow a couple from someone

 

[Mjrenz]

Here are two pics from today, neither of them wanted to pose for the camera. The blue tang got startled and tried to hide so I was able to get a closer shot of the infection she has. The glass distorted the pic but more detail is visible than in the other pics. I think the yellow tang does look a little better than last night. I'm getting ready to do the second dose of prazipro for both and the last dose of antibiotics for the blue tang

 

[ScooterV]

The yellow for sure is still looking much better!! Amazing how much progress was made in a week. The redness in front of the eyes seems to be almost gone now even. LOL, then there's the "play dead " hippo, but it looks better as well. Looking good!