Yellow tang skin irritation questions

[mcsassy]

I got my new yellow tang one week ago and he came straight in one of those shipping bags so I didn't get to see him before I bought him...anyways he has some of what look like irritations on him and I was wondering if they will naturally go away or what they are...do they need to be treated or what.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/mcsassy/bubblesskinmarks.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/mcsassy/bubblesskinmarks2.jpg

[mcsassy]

I sent the pictures to my LFS and they told me to do a freshwater dip...what do you guys think?

[mcsassy]

Should I treat my tank with maracyn two marine? Helloooooo? Anybody out there?

[Almondsaz]

mcsassy: not sure what your tank setup, but I would never treat with maracyn two in the tank. Only in a hospital/QT setup. A freshwater dip is a very basic, and usually effective first step. But not knowing what you are treating for is in my opinion a bit of a problem. I am unable to diagnose what your Tang suffers from but as a first step while you are pinpointing the ailment of your fish a freshwater dip is appropriate.

Here is a link http://www.reefland.com/forum/marine-fish-care-health-disease-treatment/18887-freshwater-dip-marine-fishes.html to performing a freshwater dip on marine fish. Lee is a wealth of knowledge. If the Tang has parasites/flukes, etc. this will help.

Word of caution. Match the PH to your tank and use Methylene blue. I keep a separate net from one I use in the DT and DO NOT mix them.

[mcsassy]

Almond, thanks. How long should I give it for it to naturally go away? He eats just fine and doesn't seem bothered by it...it has gotten a tad better on it's own...would it be a bad choice to let it ride out the next couple weeks as to not stress and myself him by trying to net him out of the display?

[Almondsaz]

I would continue to observe him to ensure that the condition does not worsen. I would use the garlic supplemented food such as Formula Two Marine Pellets - when I had my Atlantic Tang she went crazy for them. The garlic in it helps alot.

I take it that you are unable to net him and give the freshwater dip? If it continues to get better I would let it ride for a day or so with constant monitoring.

[mcsassy]

He eats a lot of red macro algae which is soaked in garlic always...that's what helped my hippo tang battle of ich so hopefully whatever he has will also go away. Thanks almond.