Sohal surgeon scratching

[Maurice2]

I acquired a Sohal Tang 2 weeks ago, he's about 10cm. He's sharing the QT with a Bangaii cardinal, who's been there 3 weeks. The ST has been eating well and looks fine. Water parameters are all OK (zero) 26°, 1.021.

Today I notice the ST a little agitated, scratching his mouth/gills and dorsal fin on the rock, every few minutes. There's no visible sign of ich.

I'm a little wary of hypo, never done it, and I'm tempted to treat with copper preventively. Good or bad idea?

Any advice would be most welcome, TIA

 

[roka64]

Can you get a pic? Have you noticed any salt like spots on him that fell off? You have LR in a QT? I would take that out and use PVC for hiding.

 

[Maurice2]

As you can see, no visible signs of ich or anything.
The rockscape in the tank is all 'dead' rock just for hiding.

Anyone for/against copper or wait a while to see if the scratching is just momentary?

 

[roka64]

Beautiful fish and great pic!
I don't see anything on hime either. I would keep an eye on him to see if the spots show up.
I would remove anything but PVC, as copper and other meds seep into the rock/substrate. These can cause peoblems like mixing of different meds and such. Also, if you do use copper, it will leech into and can build up, making for a big problem.

 

[melosu58]

If you are not sure I would not use copper as tangs do not handle it well. Scratching does not always mean ick. Yes in some cases it does but I would observe and see first. Make sure of PWC`s in your QT for optimal water conditions.