Sick Dogface Puffer! Ich?

[DGarrity]

I have a sick dogface puffer! He has ich I think. I treated with weco nox-ich (Malachite Green) after being recommended by a local fish store. Seems it didn't work or only provided temporary relief. Gave him a FW dip two nights ago. Hoping it's ich and not velvet. Would prefer to stay away from copper if possible. He is the only specimen in this tank. I tried to give him some Astrea from LFS without QTing them first. Big mistake. He is flashing pretty consistently. Also hiding a bit more and his appetite is up and down.

 

[blaxsun]

#fishmedic

 

[fishguy242]

hi welcome to the reef...

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[DGarrity]

hi welcome to the reef...

Some Helpful Hints When Posting or Responding to Threads in the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Section

Aquarium Fish Disease Problem Solving Determining the best course of action for a problem with your aquarium can be a difficult task. Even advanced aquarists will often need to seek the help of others for complicated or unique issues. Our intent here on Reef 2 Reef is to offer expert advice...

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Aquarium Parameters:
Aquarium type: Fish-only
Aquarium water volume 55
Filtration type hob 110 aquaclear or fluval
Lighting
Pod style led, several whites, several blues, fairly strong, also gets natural light during day
How long has the aquarium been established? 3 months
Digital image of the aquarium under white light. Attached

Water quality (be sure to indicate what measurement units you are using)
Temperature 79
pH: not sure was slightly low like 7.5 a couple days ago because I was attempting hypo when I thought it was velvet. Added air to increase carbon exchange and get it up
Salinity / specific gravity 1.019
Ammonia unsure
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Phosphorus unsure
Copper unsure
Other unsure

 

[Sharkbait19]

Pics of the full fish may be helpful.
All I see looks more like it’s spines or sand stuck to it.

 

[DGarrity]

These were taken just a couple hours ago.

sick puffer 1/2

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sick puffer 2/2

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This was after the Malachite Green four day treatment and a FW dip.

sick puffer seems okay here

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puffer seems okay here

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This was before I treated him with FW dip and MG.

when he looked the worst

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Maybe he has nothing and he was just not hungry and flashing a lot and I'm just a paranoid fish dad. Idk. This is my first foray into saltwater and I just love this little guy. Don't want him to feel bad.

 

[DGarrity]

These are some older videos when he seemed a little happier and more interactive. Before the flashing and erratic movements started.



Here's another video of him curled up and showing a little more dark coloration pre illness.

sleepy boy dark color mode

youtube.com

 

[Jay Hemdal]

These are some older videos when he seemed a little happier and more interactive. Before the flashing and erratic movements started.



Here's another video of him curled up and showing a little more dark coloration pre illness.

sleepy boy dark color mode

youtube.com

Hi, welcome to Reef2Reef!

Those spots in the image on the puffer's skin aren't ich, they are too regular in spacing.
Malachite green does not work well for parasite control in marine fish, I would avoid it.
In one video, the puffer is breathing fast, so I can't rule out velvet here.
I would consider treating with coppersafe, and then try prazipro for flukes.

Jay

p.s. - I'll be travelling the rest of the day, so might not be able to respond, but the other fish medics here can help you...