Classic mistake, James. Sorry man but I can’t ignore your post. There are 57 non-members lurking this site tonight seeking information. Many are newbies. I can’t in good conscience let this slide without comment. You did a couple things right, you waited 24 hours and you made sure it was eating a variety of foods. Then you threw caution to the wind and made the classic mistake. Not being prepared for a new hyper active Ich prone fish at home. The Achilles Tang is as Ich prone as the Powder Blue Tang. Two of the worst and that means extra caution in purchasing and extra preparation BEFORE you bring it home.
This, of course is not an accurate statement. A 5” Tang in a 40 breeder is stressed! Your concern, "3 days and he is starting to show signs of ich" proves he’s stressed and was totally predictable. The fact that you even consider a Tang (or any other fish) without a quarantine system is another classic mistake. Of all fish, Tangs need to be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days. A 40 breeder would make a great QT tank. You might question me on if a 40 is a good QT tank why do Tangs need a 6’ long tank to thrive in? Good question. A QT tank is temporary, an isolation tank where the fish can be observed, pampered, fed high quality food items fortified with liquid fish vitamins and brought into optimum health BEFORE he’s introduced to the DT. I know you know that but, I posted it for some of the lurkers that might read this thread.The tank he is currently in is a 40g breeder with little to no stress
So what to do now? You don’t have a lot of choices. Setting up a QT now is pointless because you are not prepared to deal with a cycle and that’s the last stress your Tang needs. Waiting it out seems the most likely option.
I hope you indelibly scribble this event into your memory bank and never make this mistake again.
If I come across particularly harsh, I’m not sorry! I’ve directed so many people to my “Nine Simple Rules” article, I’m sure you have read it. For those who have not read it and have doubts as to how to buy healthy fish and keep them healthy, please go to this link and read it - "Nine Simple Rules"
Research and education is the key to success with SW aquariums whether fish only or reef.
Dick
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