Blonde Naso Tang, frozen foods  11/16/11
Beautiful fish about 7" 220 gal tank, frozen brine shrimp cube slipped from my hand tang took cube hole appeared stressed afterward died during the night, was the death possible caused from frozen cube?
<Appears so. I advocate soaking such frozen foods in freshwater to defrost and rinse out unwanted soluble nutrient... limiting eutrophication. Bob Fenner>
Re: Blonde Naso Tang, frozen foods prep.  11/16/11
Thank-you
<Welcome. BobF>

sick Naso tang - 2/9/11
Greetings, I need some help here, please. My 4 yr. old Naso tang had a bacterial infection 2 weeks ago. Cloudy eyes, grey, fuzzy patches on body, rapid gill movement.
She's in a 300 gallon tank, temp, steady 78, ammonia zero, nitrates 10. I accidentally left the aquarium lights on all evening while running errands.
The entire house was pitch black and she was racing around frantically when I got home, she was very stressed out.
<Can happen>
I turned off the tank light, added soft room light, all seemed well an hour later. Two days later, she had black Ich, cloudy eyes, rapid gill movement, not eating. She's had that very same thing 3 years ago due to stress while moving to a new tank. QT'd her in Maracyn 2,
in a 40 gallon Rubbermaid as I learned from your book, with lots of aeration, and she was fine within 5 days. So I did the same for her this time, adding liquid baby vitamins as well. Only now, she's not recovering at all. She hasn't eaten in a week, getting thin around the head and body.
All other symptoms have gone. Eyes are clear, black Ich gone, no grey fuzzy patches on skin, fins and tail are great. The only symptom left is the rapid gill movement, and zero interest in food. A FW dip doesn't seem to be the answer here, and it would stress her out even more....she's huge, no room in a standard 5 gallon bucket for a dip. What else do you suggest?
Back in the main tank?
<Yes; with vitamins/supplements including feeding stimulant added/soaked into foods>
The only other fish in there are a 10" tassel file, and 2 gobies. No stress there, they all get along.
Thank you in advance.
Ape.
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Naso Tang   1/30/11
My Naso Tang has fleshy bumps on it's head. He looks very sick. I treated the tank for Ich once and there was no change. He is kind of just trying to stay afloat between the air pump and algae skimmer
magnet. Please help. Thank you.
Julia
<Julia, there is no useful data here at all. Please write back with a description of your system incl. tankmates & sizes, parameters, what treatments have been added when and one or more photos as detailed here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/wwmadminsubwebindex/question_page.htm.
 Thank you, Simon>

Naso death   10/14/10
Hi crew,
<Karina>
Unfortunately, I am writing under tragic circumstances. I'm hoping you'll be able to enlighten me. I recently lost my blonde Naso tang under rather mysterious circumstances.
<Does happen>
I have a 180 gallon reef with a 55 gallon sump/refugium. My tank has been up for 2 years, spg 1.026,
ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 15. The contents are from a previous 55 gallon that was set up for 6 years before being transferred. I haven't tested any other parameters for a while. I do weekly 30 gallon water changes. I had the Naso for about a year. I got it because I had a dreadful Dictyota problem, and nothing would eat it but this little guy.
What an amazing job it did, and it quickly became my favorite fish. A few days ago, I noticed that it had a small brown spot on the base of it's tail. I didn't think much of it. I attributed it to a mechanical injury of some kind. The next day, the spot had spread to half of the fish's body. It was just brown, no peeling or loss of scales. Blondie was still eating prepared foods and picking off the rocks though, and I had no prepared sea water to set up a hospital tank. The third day, I found it wedged between two rocks, dead as a doornail. The brown completely covered one side of it's body. Very sad day. Now I'm trying to find the culprit. I've only recently discovered that sea urchins are poisonous. I found a small one when I first set up the 55 all those years ago. It was about the size of a dime. Now it's about the size of a golf ball, and has pink pointy tips. It's always on the glass though, I rarely see it among the rocks. Could the Naso have accidentally swam into the urchin and been poisoned?
<Mmm, not likely>
I'm asking so I know whether it would be smart to remove it. Other inhabitants are a pair of black Ocellaris clowns, a canary wrasse, melanurus wrasse, Tailspot blenny, sunburst Anthias, and a blotched Hawkfish. I really don't know, aside from the urchin, what could've caused this rapid demise. All my other fish are perfectly fine. Please share your thoughts and ideas.
Thanks,
Karina
<Nothing "jumps out" as a probable cause here Karina... to use your adverb, unfortunately this genus at times appears to die mysteriously... From? Stress? I would state that "on average", specimens/species of Naso kept in larger systems "die less often mysteriously", have greater survival, longer life times in captivity. Bob Fenner>

Naso Tang with White Blotches - 6/11/10 Bob, <Simon with you today Brian> I acquired a Blond Naso Tang that has white blotches on its body. I have QT'd the fish for over a week now and they have not changed at all. <Mmm> The blotches are not raised, they have no texture, and the fish is eating, breathing, and seems healthy. The marks don't go away, don't get worse, but they don't get better either. <Yes, I see these> I have attached a picture for you. I have yet to medicate, copper, or do anything as I don't know what I am dealing with. <Well done.. no treatment required here> Any thoughts? <Yes. These look like stress marks/ colouration to me.. is the fish in a confined space?. how is your water quality? Nitrates? Are there many or aggressive tankmates? These marks should disappear with improved conditions.. namely lots of roaming space, high turbulent water flow & RedOx for this fish> Thank you for your time. I appreciate your site, Brian <No problem Brian, Simon>

Re: Naso Tang with White Blotches - 6/11/10 Simon, <Brian> Right now he is in a 10 Gallon QT with rock and little water flow. <There you go!> His prior owner had him in a 55 gallon tank <Ditto. Far too small> and I would question the water quality. <Double ditto>. I plan to put him in a 180 gallon reef tank <Much better> with lots of flow, but wanted to QT him until I knew what the marks were and rule out disease. <All fishes should be quarantined anyway> Since he had the marks in his previous tank, I didn't want to take chances. Do you think I should just put him in the 180 now, or QT him for another week or two? <I would go at least two weeks here, maybe three but can't you get a bigger QT tank? A 10 gallon QT for a 180 is inadequate IMO. You would be better off procuring a second hand 55 for probably pennies somewhere> He has shown no signs of disease, but it has only been a week. <Indeed. I would prolong this period in a larger QT with some vigorous circulation (plus an airstone) and see how he responds. Block out the sides and back of the QT tank with some dark paper or something so he does not feel 'exposed'.> Thanks again, <It's a pleasure to help people and fish alike!> Brian <Simon>

16/02/10 Naso Tang disease Hey guys <Hello Antonis> just found this Naso tang in one crappy LFS and I felt so sorry about him when I realised that the LFS didn't know what was wrong with it or how to treat it. <Have you left this fish in the shop or taken it home? Never take sympathy on a fish, it just encourages shops to peddle bad specimens> He told me I could have him for 15eur if I knew how to treat this poor fella and I so much want to rescue him if I can with your help of course! I don't know the guys parameters <it would be very useful to find out> but I know that the Tang has been this way for almost 2 weeks and these reddish/whitish ''wound'' marks have gotten bigger since he got him although he fed him at the time I was there and the Tang was eating like a pig. I hope you can help my when you look at the pics champs. <Are these wounds or lumps? This looks like Lymphocystis to me, not particularly concerning. Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm. Nothing you can do if it is, the fish should recover on it's own without medication if good care is taken of it> Thank you very much, <No problem> I hope for your prompt reply, if you need anything else please just ask, <Do let us know the water test results, with the fruits of your research into this> Antonis <Cheers, Simon> Re: 16/02/10 Naso Tang disease Thank you very much Simon for your prompt reply :o) <No problem Antonis> No of course I haven't taken it home with me it's still at the LFS. I just thought to take some action in order for this fella to recover because the man at the LFS is over 60 years old and I don't think he can use the internet. <Heee! Like my mother in law!> And yes these were lumps not wounds. The spots were growing on top of the surface of it's tail and the colour was mainly white with a bit pink/red in the middle as you can see from the pics and the white stuff's appearance was like fungus I think! <Yes, this does sound like Lympho to me. Search re. and see if the images coming back match! Simon>

Re: 16/02/10 Naso Tang disease  2/16/10 <Hello Antonis> I think so. <Yes, me too> Although most pics I can find the lumps are mostly white and not reddish like the Naso I showed you. <They do go this pinkish colour sometimes> Why is it getting bigger though? Poor water conditions? <I do think it is related to poor water quality, as many things are. Improved conditions should see a halting and reversal of this. Simon> Re: 16/02/10 Naso Tang disease It can clear entirely Simon? <Yes it can Antonis. Good luck>

Naso Tang And Aiptasia, hlth. and control  1/12/10
<Hello Michele>
We need help with a Naso tang that may not be with us for long.
<Oh? Let's hope not.>
Tank stats: 250 gallon LPS/SPS reef with an additional 400 gallons of supporting tanks (fuge, sump, frag tank, etc.).
<Sounds like a great system.>
Inhabitants are 7 inch Naso tang, 7 inch Rabbitfish, 5 inch Yellow tang, and pair of Ocellaris
clowns. All fish have been together for over 3 years and exhibit no apparent aggression toward each other. Ammonia/nitrites/nitrates are zero, pH 8, SP 1.025, and temperature 78 normally.
<Sounds good.>
Currently, we probably only due <do> a water change of about 10 percent every 3 to 4 weeks b/c everything always tests zero and we feel like we have a low bioload for 650 gallons.
<Water quality and test results are two different subjects. You mention no use of a protein  skimmer and is one component very necessary for improving water quality, especially with keeping sensitive tangs.>
Tank has been set up for about 2 1/2 years.
Tank has been unremarkable except for the following issues. We fought a Dinoflagellate problem about 8 or 10 months ago and we currently have an Aiptasia problem. Aiptasia X will keep them in check, but we have not been able to completely eradicate them.
<Ah, the scorn of many a reef keeper and sometimes difficult to eradicate.>
Aiptasia X has not been used in the tank in the last few weeks. About one month ago we purchased a Copperband Butterflyfish. After an abbreviated QT (2 weeks) we introduced the fish (was bright and eating commercial food as well as picking at rock). Shortly after introduction the Yellow tang showed aggression and left a lesion on the side of the Butterflyfish (bite, tang, not sure). We split the fish, but the butterfly died shortly thereafter. We assumed it was from stress and trauma from the Yellow tang, but now I'm worried it was disease b/c of the shortened QT and the sick Naso. One additional issue is temperature. Due to the current cold climate (single digits with a wind chill below zero...brrr!!!) our temperature dropped to 75 about a week ago. We insulated the pipes (they run below the house to the supporting tanks in a separate room) and got the temperature back up to 78. Would a temperature change of 3 degrees over a few days be enough for a problem?
<Unlikely over a three day span.>
So the problem: Our Naso tang had an acute onset of lethargy and weight loss about 3 days ago. She sits on the bottom of the tank with a rapid respiration rate. She has profound weight loss, but no other apparent external lesions.
<Mmm, not good.>
She will occasionally swim to the other side of the tank and back, but typically just rests on the bottom of the tank. The other fish hover close by, but don't seem to be doing any harm other than psychological. It looks like they are providing comfort to their sick tankmate, but I realize it's nature saying "hmm, weak fish, let's kill it." She shows minimal interest in eating. She did possibly eat a flake or two soaked in Selcon last night. Typical diet is a mixture of seafood treats, Nori sheets, Spectrum pellets, and flake.
So, we are torn on what to do. Should we separate her into a hospital tank for treatment? I see nothing wrong except the weight loss and respiratory rate, so I don't what I would be treating for...bacterial infection, internal parasite???
<Best not to treat until a positive diagnosis can be made.>
I think moving her would provide more stress, but we are open to suggestions. Should we try and separate the Rabbitfish and Yellow tang to the other side of the tank to give her time to possibly heal? We have searched for any possible contaminants to the tank with no ideas.
<I would discontinue the use of Aiptasia X for the time being. I've heard/read articles that some fish, mostly blennies have negative reactions to this product if ingested.
My understanding of Aiptasia X is that the active ingredients are suspended in some kind of 'Micella'
which is like a liquid capsule and only after ingested by the anemone it becomes free.
This leads me to believe it could have adverse reactions to fish but I have no documented proof of that. I'm hoping Bob and/or other crew members might comment here as well.>
The other fish look fine, but I suppose the Naso would be the most susceptible fish to disease of the ones we have.
<Yes. What types of food was your Naso eating. Proper nutrition goes a long way in disease prevention by increasing the fishes immunity level. The New Life Spectrum Pellets are an excellent nutritional source of food and is the only food I feed/use. Do visit, read, and look at the video at their site. http://nlsfishfood.com/ >
I know it's hard to make a diagnosis without seeing the fish or our system, but if anything comes to mind please let us know or refer us where to read.
<Yes, do read here and linked files in the header. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/naso_lituratus.htm >
On a separate note, we are desperately trying to get rid of the Aiptasia. The Aiptasia X has helped, but not eradicated the problem.
We were using so much of it, we were concerned it might affect our water quality! We would like to introduce a fish (removing Yellow tang first) that would eat them, but I'm not sure if that's possible. I'm hesitant to try another Copperband with their sensitive history and our bad story. We had considered a Raccoon Butterflyfish and then moving it to another tank before it developed an affinity for the SPS. I've read the FAQs and articles on Butterflyfish and I know they may eat Aiptasia, but I'm not sure if they have a preference for the Aiptasia and would leave corals alone until the Aiptasia are gone or if they would just mow down all corals and Aiptasia together. Perhaps it's based on the individual fish and you can't give a definitive answer on that one.
<The Berghia Nudibranch is known to consume Aiptasia and you may want to read here regarding this. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudiaipfaqs.htm>
Thank you for providing a wonderful website and answering everyone's questions! If I have missed something in the FAQs (I'm sure I have) please refer me where to read. The whole reason we have the 250 is because we bought this Naso on an impulse purchase 3 1/2 years ago.
When we realized she was totally inappropriate for our 90 gallon, we started making plans for the 250 and moved her the next year. We are going to be so sad to lose her!!!
<Do read re above and do increase your water change frequency. Tangs of this genus are very demanding of high water quality and here is where a good efficient skimmer will help, along with the use of a chemical media such as Chemipure. And lets hope you will not lose your Naso. James (Salty Dog)>
Michele
Re Naso Tang And Aiptasia/Health And Control 1/12/10
James,
<Michele>
Thanks for the quick reply.
<You're welcome.>
I will read where referred. To answer your questions...Yes, we use a protein skimmer and Chemipure.
<May I ask which brand name and model of skimmer? Do keep in mind that you are skimming 600+ gallons of water and not 250, providing all of your systems are tied together.>
We also feed New Life Spectrum Pellets as the main food with flake, Nori sheets, and assorted seafood bites for treats.
<Great!>
On further examination of the tang, she has a slight tattering to her dorsal and caudal fins, so I'm wondering if we are dealing with a bacterial infection such as Finrot which I know goes back to water quality! We had already done as you suggested and stopped the Aiptasia X about a month ago because we were concerned over affecting water quality with the huge amount we had been using.
Thanks for the help...fingers crossed for her, but it doesn't look good!
<If you could send a couple of pics it may help us identify the problem.
If I cannot help you here, Mr. Fenner (The Big Fish) is much more educated on disease then I, and I'm  sure he would be more than happy to look at the pics for you and offer some help and/or suggestions. <<Ok. RMF>>
James (Salty Dog)>
Michele
Re Naso Tang And Aiptasia/Health And Control 1/13/10
<Hello Michele>
Sadly the tang had died by last night.
<Sorry to hear.>
We still saw no external marks on her, but we didn't post her. Although I'm a vet, I would have no idea about fish!
<Understandable.>
We have an <Reeflo> Orka protein skimmer and I'm unsure of the model, but hubby assures me it is rated for the 650 gallons.
<Am familiar and is manufactured by Sequence, and I might add, a very, very, good skimmer.>
We get about one gallon of skimmate a week.
<Wowsa, but not surprising coming from that unit.>
Hopefully we will never know what happened to her, but I have a bad feeling it will be another fish soon!
My biggest worry is that the Copperband introduced something to the system last month. Hopefully not.
<I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, but keep in mind that even with the best systems, survival is not guaranteed, and due in part to the enormous stress the fish go through from the reef to your tank. You have a system that should easily sustain most marine life providing they are healthy to begin with, and is why selection is an important facet of this hobby.>
Thanks for your comments as always.
Love the site!
<Thank you, and you are most welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Michele

Urgent Help re: Naso Tang    -- 11/02/09
Hi! Mark from the Philippines here.
<BobF in sunny S. Cal.>
I've always been a fan of your site as it's been a really good reference for me. However, due to the urgency of the situation, I think I need more personalized help.
I have a 3 year old blonde Naso tang in my 180g reef that suddenly stopped eating today. What's weird is that he suddenly appears really really thin today. He's breathing rapidly and is staying put in a low flow area.
Yesterday he was his usual self, swimming everywhere, hogging all the food.
He looks really bad and I'm not sure if he'll make it to tomorrow.
<MOVE this fish Mark... Now!>
He looks perfectly normal, no wounds, etc. Just really really suddenly thin.
He's my favorite fish, very fond of people and follows everyone around the aquarium. I even hand feed him from time to time.
Recently, I've converted to an all softies reef and been stocking up on corals. The other day, I added a few Brittlestars, and he started nipping at one's legs. That's the only thing I've noticed him do differently.
<Something this fish either has eaten or the new organisms are releasing into the water is poisoning it... Again, it needs to go elsewhere, stat!>
I'm lightly stocked, have a blue tang, 2 clownfish, a royal gramma, and the Naso. All of them are around 3 years old so all of them are quite large.
All the other fish and corals are okay. Water parameters are okay.
Any ideas what it could be? And any medication, dips I can do?
Thanks!
<Move it, move it. Bob Fenner>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang -- 11/02/09
Thanks for the quick response Bob
<I sensed the urgency>
It's already 12:30am in this part of the world. The lights just went out a couple of hours ago. Should I turn the lights back on and catch him now? He sleeps in a cave and I'm definite I won't be able to catch him with the lights off.
<I would remove this fish now>
Also, all the shops are closed, and I can't get any medication.
<No medication necessary>
That being said, what do I need to do once he's in the QT? Any specific medication?
Thanks again!
<None... just place this fish in a clean, large, established system. BobF>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang -- 11/02/09
Hi Bob!
Sorry, just want to explain myself as it may sound odd that I know the urgency of the situation, but then suddenly hesitating regarding the transfer.
My main concern here is that waking him up after a few hours of sleep then chasing him around the tank might stress him out and cause more harm than good?
<Watch your hands, but remove this fish... w/o turning the lights on if you can. B>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang -- 11/02/09
Hi Bob
Just finished moving the fish. When I turned on the lights he was resting on the sand almost motionless.... not a good sign.
<Actually Mark... this is what they do... at night, in the wild. Larger Nasos are collected during the night in just such a fashion. Not to worry>
He didn't put up a fight as I easily netted him on the 2nd try.
<Good>
He's now in a 20g tank, swimming around. Just turned the lights off. Hope he gets a good rest.
<... I fear I'm not being clear. This fish NEEDS to be put in another six foot, plus length system. NOT in a small body of water>
Still hoping for the best...
Thanks again,
Mark
<BobF>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang -- 11/02/09
Actually Bob, right now I don't have many options. The 20g spare tank is the only place I can transfer him now.
I'll ask around fellow reefers who have large tanks tomorrow who can hold on to him and hopefully nurse him back to health.
I can't thank you enough for your help and speedy replies...
<Welcome. Sleep tight. B>
re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang
Got it! Thanks! I'll keep you posted!
<Real good. B>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang -- 11/03/09
Our Blue Tang has stopped eating today as well. I'm trying my best to remove it from the tank. I feel really disheartened...
<I would remove all fish life from this system. ASAP>
From what I've read, I think it could be flukes. Symptoms include abrupt cessation of feeding, and the eyes do look a bit cloudy.
If they are indeed flukes, could they have been transferred to the tank by the new corals?
<Mmm, unlikely these are flukes... affecting so many species of fishes...
They tend to be... Well, read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/fshwrmdisflukef.htm
BobF>
Re: Urgent Help re: Naso Tang   11/3/09
Hi Bob,
<Mark>
When I woke up today, the fish was gone...
<Ahhh>
Scary how fast it deteriorated...
Thanks again,
Mark
<BobF>

Black mark on Naso tang? Hello crew! <Hi there Terry> I have a Naso tang which has a mark on his side which looks like a permanent marker, <Good description> I know it is not Paravortex, and none of my other fish have any spots, tank pars are normal, it is a 150 FOWLR. I was wondering if it may be from being stung by the Foxface? <Mmm, not likely this sort of mark...> He seems normal, and eating well but if this is a disease I would like to get a jump start on it, this is the best pic. I could get. Thanks in advance, Terry <Have seen these sort of blems many times... Are bruises of sorts... usually clear themselves up over weeks to month's time. No "treatment" suggested other than good care. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Blonde Naso, hlth., sel.    7/10/09
I've had my Naso for one week. She was beautiful. I have a 150 gallon tank and have a Snowflake Eel, Banana Wrasse, Fox Face, and 4 Damsels. My husband forgot to turn the lights on yesterday and when I got home, she was dead laying on the sand and had a marble sized bulge coming from her stomach. Do you know what this could be?
<This soon from acquisition... Most likely damage from "needling" from collection (a practice to "let out" air for more rapid ascent... rather than waiting, hauling up collection buckets...) Had your store had this animal on hand for a period of time before your acquisition? Better to wait, a good week... Bob Fenner>
Thank you!
Alison Aquino-Sanchez

Blonde Naso Tang - ill/mouth  7/5/09 Good evening & Happy 4th of July, <Now the morrow of the 6th... glad I stayed home with the dogs> I just upgraded my tank to a 150 gallon Elos XL120 tank... plenty of live rock and coral. I bought a Blonde Naso Tang... he had only been at the LFS for 24hr when I bought him. <Mmm... two sides to an/the argument whether to leave such fishes/species longer or no> It's been 36hr since I got him home, and he hides under a rock, <Bad behavior> is breathing quickly and today has developed a white fungus-like material around his mouth. <I see this in your pic> I've searched Google and your site for help... any advice would be much appreciated. I've also included a photo. Thanks, Zach <Either has been "running" (more like swimming) into rock, the aquarium sides... or something is brutalizing it in your system... We could/might bandy back and forth re what else is in your system, water quality, history... but instead; read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/nasoldis.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: Blonde Naso Tang - ill/mouth  - 7/6/09 Hey Bob, <Zach> Thanks so much for your quick response. <Certainly welcome> The water parameters are all in great shape. The Blonde Naso is one of the first fish I added to the tank. All of the other fish are doing great and nobody has been terrorizing him at all. Mostly I just have peaceful wrasses in with him. Once I added him to the tank he instantly hid behind a rock and has pretty much stayed back there. <Mmm, frightened perhaps> I called the LFS and they were very defensive about the condition of the fish, saying the white stuff wasn't around his mouth when they sold him to me. <Likely not, but... why be defensive?> But, it developed almost instantly and they had only had him 24 hours. Right now I'm just interested in saving this poor fish as he hasn't eaten in 3 days and doesn't look well. I've been dosing all food with garlic hoping this might help his appetite. Can you think of any treatments I should try? Maybe PraziPro? Thanks again! -Zach <I would NOT treat this fish with "medicine/s"... What temperature is the water? What nitrogenous waste levels present? What re dissolved oxygen and ways to increase it? Do you have another established system of size you could move this fish to? I will stand by my previous speculation and say it likely "bumped" into something/s... and the "owees" on its face are resultant, leading to the poor behavior (is the tank area very dark at night?)... BobF> Re: Blonde Naso Tang - ill/mouth  - 7/7/09 Wow, 2 responses from you. Wonderful! And thank you. <Welcome> Unfortunately my old tank is no longer around to transfer the Blond Naso to. All of the rock in my new tank has been established for years and I've yet to lose a fish (I bet you hear that all the time. hah). Temperature is a solid 78-79 degrees. Nitrates are <5. The ORP is usually between 275-300. <A bit low, but fine> The tank is dark at night--I don't have a moonlight. <Mmm, is it "so" dark... from there being no other light in the surrounding outside room that the fishes might be inclined to dash into the rock? The markings on the face of the fish look so much like damage from such, or a bristle worm> Seems like your bump theory is a good one. I've never really considered the moonlight anything but a way to watch the fish at night--so it's interesting (and obvious) to think it could actually help them see as well. Duh. I definitely won't treat the tang with any medicines per your advice. Looks like I'll just have to wait it out, huh? I bought the fish on Friday and it's now Monday night and he still isn't eating. <Try some brown algal food, perhaps Spectrum pellets> Luckily he looks a bit chubby, so hopefully he can hold out a bit longer. I bought him and 2 other tangs at once to introduce them together. <Oh!? What other species?> I know tangs generally are less aggressive with each other when introduced that way. If this Blond Naso doesn't make it, would it be a bad idea to introduce a new one immediately after in hopes of limiting the territorial stuff Tangs do? <Not likely a good idea; unless this system were much larger... Hundreds of gallons> Thanks x1,000,000 -Zach <Welcome in kind. BobF> Re: Blonde Naso Tang - ill/mouth  7/8/09 Yes, the tank is so dark that there really isn't any other light seeping in. My old tank has a moonlight, but never really thought about adding one to this new setup. <I would at least have "some" light outside the tank on during the time/s when the lights are all out on the inside> The other tangs I added with him were a Powder Blue and a Yellow Tang. All were introduced together and I've yet to see any hostility between any of them. <Not always obvious...> I've been putting seaweed in dipped in garlic and the other two fish are eating it like crazy. Unfortunately the Naso doesn't seem interested in the slightest. Thanks again! You're a life saver. <Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/nasolfdg.htm and the linked files above. BobF>

PraziPro - Naso health/treatment -05/27/09 Mr. Fenner, I ordered some PraziPro this morning. I thank you for your help and it feels good to finally have the answers after all of my research. However I now have another problem. My newest fish is about a 5" Naso tang. When he arrived he had a white spot on him. I took this spot as a simple shipping stress, and hoped it would go away with proper feeding and water quality, however it has spread. The spots are not Ich, and I do not see any texture to them. They are simply spots of different shapes and sizes. These were the pictures I sent to you earlier for identification. I am sorry for the less than perfect quality. I am a college student, and do not have a camera other than my phone. If you can help me, or point me as to some possibilities of what this is and treatment that would be safe to use with the PraziPro, it would be very helpful. Thank you for your time, and I am sorry for the confusing pictures without words, my previous e-mail somehow disappeared. <I am sorry, but Bob is out of the country with sporadic poor net access. Your pics did not come through with this or your previous email, if there was an email with pics it did not get matched up. Can you send them along again? Thanks, Scott V.> Re: I thought fish ate worms not vice-versa! 5/28/2009 Bob, <Terry> Thank you for the help. I ordered some PraziPro this morning. It feels good to finally know the correct treatment after so much research.  However, lo and behold it seems my newest fish, a Naso tang also has another problem. When I received him be had one of these spots, now several. I am going to send a picture I took with my phone. I hope it is good enough quality. If you can identify it. I would like to know how to treat it along with the PraziPro I will be administering. He is eating very little, but he is eating. These spots don't appear to have any texture, just simply various sizes and shapes that appear to just be bleached out. Any help is greatly appreciated. <Mmm, can't tell what this is but the exposure to the PraziPro won't hurt this fish... may help cure it. BobF>

High nitrate's effects on Nasos skin? Naso Tang/Health 3/26/09
Hello,
<Hello Dee.>
I have recently began lowering my very high nitrate levels, I was dangerously overfeeding my tank. My Nasos skin has gotten blotchy, kind of looks like it's orange-peeled in texture along with dark grey small patches. Her eyes & fins are all clear. Eats great, swims and acts the same. If this is stress markings from the high nitrates, what's a ballpark figure on how long before it clears up?
<Depends on how long before your "high" nitrate levels drop to a safe range.  It has been 5 days since these markings first appeared. I have done large water changes in my 300 gallon tank. Employed some activated carbon, Seachem's De-nitrate in filter bags in the sump, next to the 40 gallon 'fuge. I will add some Chaetomorpha to refugium tomorrow to help lower the nitrates even more.
<A start.>
I feed less, water is much clearer now. I have removed the filter sock,
<I'm not a fan of filter socks as they trap debris in the micron size and the water is constantly flowing through this and creating high nutrient levels.>
and employed Poly-Filter in the slot of the second chamber. I am too afraid to post the nitrate numbers, your jaw would
hit the floor.
<Would have been better if you did post the numbers, gives us a realistic idea of how high the levels really are.>
I am very upset, I should have tested weekly, I did not. My 8" Naso is my special fish.  No other inhabitants' skin is affected, just hers. Can you please help my nerves with this one? With consistent 15% water changes every other day for a week, then back to my regular regiment of 10% a week, can I hope to see her skin condition improve in time?
<Weekly water changes will help, but the use of a quality protein skimmer will certainly speed up the process and further prevent nitrates from rising provided an efficient skimmer, and one sized for your tank is used.  You mention nothing of using one so I'm assuming you're not using one.>
I have read through the FAQ's, and have seen the above remedies help in lowering nitrates.
<In your case, you would be better off using Chemi-Pure, a high grade activated carbon combined with scavenging resins. In your size tank, we would be looking at using six units of the product and to be effective, the water needs to pass through the product, not around it. Seriously, do consider purchasing a protein skimmer, will create much better water quality for
your animals.  Have you read here and related articles?
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm>
Sadly, Dee.
<And I James, not being in Cozumel with Bob and Scott.  Cheers. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: High nitrate's effects on Nasos skin? Naso Tang/Health 3/26/09
Fantastic feedback, thank you James. I have learned so much from your responses to others.
<You're welcome.>
Okay, here's the nitrate numbers. It was at 200 last Sunday, yes, you read that right.
<Yikes, what kind of test kit are you using that will read that high? Is your kit measuring total nitrogen or NO3?>
After one water change, and added filter media, it went down to 80.
<A big improvement.>
The next day, another water change, it went down to 50, where it has remained for the past 3 days, even with another water change.
<You are at a point now where you are importing more nutrients than the skimmer/system can export.>
So sorry, I neglected to mention that I am running a ASM G1 skimmer, and my LFS said I need more like a G3 instead for my sized system. He suggested I run the skimmer "WET" .....he came over and raised the tube with the black sponge around it higher, I now have less foam. Do you agree that running it wet will help?
<I like to set up skimmers so the skimmate is on the dark side. I'm thinking the skimmate your skimmer is producing now is
tinted more like tea. Your dealer is correct, the G1 will not do it, and either will the G3 which is rated for 250 gallons max.
If you like this brand of skimmer, go with the G4 which is rated for up to 350 gallons.>
If so, how long until I push the tube back down below the neck of the skimmer?
<Let it run awhile, see what color and amount of skimmate you get out of the tank in a day or two. If it is light in color, push the tube down about 1/2", then evaluate again. When you get to a point where the skimmate isn't any darker, then that is where I'd leave it.>
I have seen that Chemi-Pure and am on my way out to purchase it right now.  I have your recommended dosage for my sized system, and will get that plus more. How often should I change it out?
<Well, they say every six months, but I've never found that to be true.  With your present nutrient level, I'm thinking about one month and with the next change, likely two months. It is important to have some type of mechanical filter ahead of the Chemi Pure to increase it's useful life.>
Salty Dog, thank you just isn't enough. This issue has caused daily nosebleeds, I need help, and was just too afraid to put the numbers here.
<We are here to help you Dee, not criticize you. We all have been down that road before and have learned from our mistakes and/or lack of knowledge.>
I have also read that adding a Mangrove plant in the 'fuge will help, as well. I am searching for one.
<Put your money toward a skimmer that will handle your tank, will do much more good than the mangrove will at this stage.>
The Naso began with black blotches all over, face, gills, body, etc....I thought it was Black Spot, but tested my water, saw the nitrate numbers and quickly realized it was probably stress markings. All of the blotching has gone away now with the exception of her back and sides. Face, gills are all smooth and grey again, like normal. Yes, that filter sock was packed with
debris/uneaten food. Thank you so much.
<Yes, a double edge sword here.>
I await your response re: the duration of running the skimmer wet, the Nasos approx. recovery time,
<I couldn't begin to estimate recovery time, too many variables. Most importantly, it is better to feed more often with smaller portions per feeding than to put out the grand buffet a couple of times a day.>
and the frequency of changing out the Chemi-Pure. You are my lifeline right now. Please help. I have seen some of the articles in the link you provided, but not all. I will read through once I return with the Chemi-Pure.
<Great. What you need most right now is patience, this didn't happen overnight and it isn't going to go away overnight.
Thank you.
<You're welcome, and you will get through this. James (Salty Dog)>
Dee.
Re: High nitrate's effects on Nasos skin? Naso Tang/Health 3/26/09
James, is the Chemi Pure product you recommend by Boyd's?
<Yes.>
That is the only brand I've seen with this name on it. There are two versions, a regular one, and one that's labeled "elite", which removes phosphates and silicates as well as what the regular one removes. Which do you recommend?
<In your situation, the standard Chemi-Pure will do more for you right now than the Elite, more carbon and resins will be present to better absorb excess nutrients. James (Salty Dog)>
Dee.
High nitrate's effects on Nasos skin? Naso Tang/Health 3/27/09
Salty Dog,
<Dee>
what a lifesaver you are. I hate to hog up so much of your precious time, but please walk me through this like I'm 5 years old, I will not be offended. I will purchase a mechanical filter tomorrow. Honestly, what is it? What kind, brand, size do you recommend? Where do I put it?
<Dee, you are scaring me now, you do not know what a mechanical filter is? A mechanical filter is any filter that can trap debris, uneaten food etc. Your filter sock can be identified as a mechanical filter but would not work in this application.>
I will put it ahead of the Chemi-Pure as you suggested, but please tell me where to put the mechanical filter as well as the media bags. Do I use the carbon along with the Chemi-Pure?
<Not necessary to use carbon with Chemi-Pure, it contains carbon.>
I have a 40 gallon refugium, separated into 3 sections. First section, water from the main tank pours down into it. The skimmer is there. That is where I've placed the bags of carbon and SeaChem's De-nitrate.
<For now, remove the bags of carbon and place the Chemi-Pure bags in their place. I'd also like you to send a couple pics of your sump. We may be able to devise a way of using the Chemi-Pure more effectively without you having to purchase a filter.>
The second section is where the sand, live rocks, algae plants and sponge are growing.
<Good, a refugium is incorporated here.>
Third section, 2 return pumps, nothing else. I paid the local guy in my area thousands of dollars for this set up. He brought everything out, I never questioned the size, brands, anything, just trusted he'd keep his word and give me top of the line everything, in sizes appropriate for my system. Two years later, I am learning that one thing after another is too small and inadequate for my tank.
<Is the exact reason you need to educate yourself more, don't assume or trust everyone's suggestion(s). I would think that after two years you would be a little further down the road.>
So this skimmer <ASM G-1> is what was installed on it,
<Don't understand why your LFS would install an undersize skimmer on your tank. I'd be a little skeptical with him.>
I have no preference for the brand, I will replace with whatever you recommend, please.. Yes, the skimmer had light colored liquid in it, not dark as usual. I pushed it back down. Please explain what that does, moving that tube up and down.
<Basically, the higher the water level in the skimmer, the lighter the skimmate. You "pushed it back down", why not follow my suggestion in the previous email? Don't go from one extreme to the other. Read again and read the instructions that came with the skimmer.>
You said with my 3 water changes I am now importing more nutrients than I am exporting.
<No, I did not say that, go back and read again. I said you are at a point where the skimmer cannot export the nutrients at the same rate they are being imported, simply said, the skimmer is too small for your tank.>
I should now then go back to my weekly water changes, rather than every other day?
<Yes, do 10% weekly, right now you are wasting your money with every other day changes. You need export help by way of a skimmer sized for your tank.  Changing water helps by dilution but can get expensive in the long run, and is time consuming as you well know.>
<I should have asked this earlier before this turned into a saga, but how many fish, and their approximate sizes do you have in this tank?>
I don't understand. I use 2 different test kits, both strips, and both are the 5 in 1 types, measuring pH, hardness alkalinity, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia. One is by Jungle. It measures nitrate is quantities of 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 200 ppm. I Googled it, there is no specific mention of it measuring total nitrogen or just NO3. So, I'm not sure. I also use a test strip kit by Mardel, same 5 in 1 style. This one specifically says it is measuring NO3 ppm at levels of 0, 20, 40, 80 and 200.
<Well, that's some relief, a kit measuring N-NO3 would have to be multiplied by 4.4 to get the NO3 (nitrate ion) level. I'd do away with these 5 in 1 strips and get a kit dedicated to measuring NO3 only. Aquarium Systems, Salifert and a few other companies have inexpensive nitrate kits that will be easier to read than the strips. Better yet, get kits that are dedicated to measuring an individual water parameter. My personal preference are the Salifert Kits.>
I am terrified here.
<You are scaring me also.>
Thank you for the reminder that you all are here to help us, and that this did not happen overnight, nor will it straighten out overnight. Indeed, I was laying out the buffet 3-4 times a day. That is under control now. Please advise.
<Right now, follow the above suggestions and do send photos of the sump and other items I've asked you for above. It would be beneficial to me for you to send a photo of the tank, I'd like to see what I'm dealing with. Also, measure the length and width of the skimmer section in the sump. I cannot recommend a skimmer without knowing your available space. Skimmers vary in footprint dimensions and we want to make sure we get one that will fit in the area provided. I will then link you to a LFS/etailer than can provide you with your needs and save you some money to boot. Where are you located. I also feel that you need to learn/read more about this hobby.  Here is a link to our marine index which will lead you to most any topic dealing with marine aquariums. Do spend some time reading/learning here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm
When replying, do not break up the entire thread as you have here, always "reply to". Doing so prevents me from going back to all the previous emails if I need to.?
James (Salty Dog)>
Thankfully, Dee.
High nitrate's effects on Nasos skin? Naso Tang/Health 3/26/09
Fantastic feedback, thank you James. I have learned so much from your responses to others.
<You're welcome.>
Okay, here's the nitrate numbers. It was at 200 last Sunday, yes, you read that right.
<Yikes, what kind of test kit are you using that will read that high? Is your kit measuring total nitrogen or NO3?>
After one water change, and added filter media, it went down to 80.
<A big improvement.>
The next day, another water change, it went down to 50, where it has remained for the past 3 days, even with another water change.
<You are at a point now where you are importing more nutrients than the skimmer/system can export.>
So sorry, I neglected to mention that I am running a ASM G1 skimmer, and my LFS said I need more like a G3 instead for my sized system. He suggested I run the skimmer "WET" .....he came over and raised the tube with the black sponge around it higher, I now have less foam. Do you agree that running it wet will help?
<I like to set up skimmers so the skimmate is on the dark side. I'm thinking the skimmate your skimmer is producing now is
tinted more like tea. Your dealer is correct, the G1 will not do it, and either will the G3 which is rated for 250 gallons max.
If you like this brand of skimmer, go with the G4 which is rated for up to 350 gallons.>
If so, how long until I push the tube back down below the neck of the skimmer?
<Let it run awhile, see what color and amount of skimmate you get out of the tank in a day or two. If it is light in color, push the tube down about 1/2", then evaluate again. When you get to a point where the skimmate isn't any darker, then that is where I'd leave it.>
I have seen that Chemi-Pure and am on my way out to purchase it right now.  I have your recommended dosage for my sized system, and will get that plus more. How often should I change it out?
<Well, they say every six months, but I've never found that to be true.  With your present nutrient level, I'm thinking about one month and with the next change, likely two months. It is important to have some type of mechanical filter ahead of the Chemi Pure to increase it's useful life.>
Salty Dog, thank you just isn't enough. This issue has caused daily nosebleeds, I need help, and was just too afraid to put the numbers here.
<We are here to help you Dee, not criticize you. We all have been down that road before and have learned from our mistakes and/or lack of knowledge.>
I have also read that adding a Mangrove plant in the 'fuge will help, as well. I am searching for one.
<Put your money toward a skimmer that will handle your tank, will do much more good than the mangrove will at this stage.>
The Naso began with black blotches all over, face, gills, body, etc....I thought it was Black Spot, but tested my water, saw the nitrate numbers and quickly realized it was probably stress markings. All of the blotching has gone away now with the exception of her back and sides. Face, gills are all smooth and grey again, like normal. Yes, that filter sock was packed with
debris/uneaten food. Thank you so much.
<Yes, a double edge sword here.>
I await your response re: the duration of running the skimmer wet, the Nasos approx. recovery time,
<I couldn't begin to estimate recovery time, too many variables. Most importantly, it is better to feed more often with smaller portions per feeding than to put out the grand buffet a couple of times a day.>
and the frequency of changing out the Chemi-Pure. You are my lifeline right now. Please help. I have seen some of the articles in the link you provided, but not all. I will read through once I return with the Chemi-Pure.
<Great. What you need most right now is patience, this didn't happen overnight and it isn't going to go away overnight.
Thank you.
<You're welcome, and you will get through this. James (Salty Dog)>
Dee.

Surgeonfishes: Tangs for  Marine Aquariums Diversity, Selection & Care New eBook on Amazon: Available here New Print Book on Create Space: Available here by Robert (Bob) Fenner