LONG NOSE BUTTERFLY HELP!!!!!!!

[jojo22]

Ok here's the deal. I was in petco today and saw a longnose butterfly. He is ove 75% covered in ich. PETCO policy states that if a fish is more than 25% covered they have to FW dip/add copper and if the fish does not improve by the end of the shift it must be killed. So after talking to the "AQUARIST" I convinced her to give me the fish if it is not better by the end of her shift. I am going back a 3:00pm today to see the fish and possibly bring it home to save it (if I can). I have set up a QT with the same params as the store and have everything ready just incase he comes back with me. So the long and skinny is I need a crash course in long nose butterfly care. Help please I usually research first but if he is not better and I don't take him he will be killed and I can't let that happen without trying to save him!!

[jojo22]

Oh yeah feeding is my most wanted answer at the moment. I don't think he was/is eating at the store

[saxman]

your best bet in immediate terms would be enriched live ABS or small ghost shrimp. you may need to supply live pods for the life of the fish if you can't get it on frozen mysis eventually.

[jojo22]

ABS I'm drawing a blank here buddy?? Thank you for the timely reply. I really do try to research first but this litterally could be life or deth for the fish if I don't take him!

[jojo22]

OK I FEEL DUMB Adult Brine Shrimp. Thought I would say it for any new guys that didn't know. My mind is not with me as I try to prepare. All this work for a fish I MIGHT bring home. But I know you guys undestand the feeling so I don't feel that crazy although the wife thinks I am.

[saxman]

no worries...i shoulda been more clear, i guess.

as for that policy...i can't believe they honestly think a fish is gonna turn around in a day...pfft.

let us know how it goes...that fish is one of my faves.

[jojo22]

He is home and temp acclimateing. Do you guys think I should drip acclimate after this or would that just cause more stress and maby I should just float the bag and dump him in the QT???

[graphixx]

I would at least float him for a while. dont want to add too much stress for him. do you have some sort of medication for the tank?????

[jojo22]

Dare I say it but since he is so bad I am useing copper. I will try to get some pics of him ASAP. I will also try to get some pics of our newest tank. It's a whole gallon before sand and rock.

[Iconz]

Obviously, i'm no help, but Good Luck joe! let us know how this guy does!