Help Clown sick

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I have been stuck out of town for several weeks on business. My wife called in a panic saying my clownfish has 2 patches of what lshe can only describe as think white threads on one side. The patches are each only maybe 1/8 inch across but consist of a number of small whaite thread looking 'strings' Since I will not be able to get home till next week sometime I can not see them and do not recognize what they might be from just that description. Does it riung a bell with anyone and if so what should I tell her to do. I cant dump copper in there as it is mostly a coral tank and I understand they might not survive. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
The first thought that comes to mind from this description is the way a fish looks after a bad bout with ich after the parasites fall off and the torn flesh hangs loosely from the sides of the fish in strips. I feel this may be what she is describing, either this or an injury of some sort. But an injury not likely be on both sides of the fish. Is the fish eating? Are any of the other fish showing the same symtoms? We need more information.

If this is indeed what she is seeing on the fish, it may clear up on its own, of course, it most likely will return or even get worse on the second attach. Until you know for sure what you are dealing with, I would suggest she soak all foods heavily in Garlic and Zoe and see if the fish is eating. Also she should watch fish closely for the next few days with a magnifying glass if she has one. Watch for parasites on the clown and on all the other fish. I would NOT try to talk the wife through copper treatment or even hypo over the phone.
 
She says that both fish are eating fine, the Royal Gamma does not show any symptoms. Luckily I have Garlic on hand at home. Now I need to figure out how to deal with ich on a more long term basic in a reef tank.
In the 18 months I have had the tank I have been lucky and not had this problem before. I saw a full thread about ICH in the other forum and will read thru it all while I am waiting to get home.

I have never had any luck at catching either of the fish, there are just too many knooks and crannies for them to dive into. Guess I may have to just syphon down the tank till I can corner her. If a UV filter effective against ICH?

Thanks
 
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