Fish Dip?

[jgoal55]

So I am getting ready to put some fish in my tank and was thinking about buying some basic fish tomorrow.

A couple of true percs and a royal gramma.

Anyway, I am going to do my best to avoid ich in this tank by first dipping every fish I get before it goes in. I know some people do this and I was wondering how you all do it.

I also know QT is the single best option but I simply dont have the space or time to QT fish for six weeks so my next best option is dipping the fish. I have Paraguard and I have Methylene Blue and Formalin on hand.

 

[gnashty]

tagging along

Jgoal55;464719 wrote: So I am getting ready to put some fish in my tank and was thinking about buying some basic fish tomorrow.

A couple of true percs and a royal gramma.

Anyway, I am going to do my best to avoid ich in this tank by first dipping every fish I get before it goes in. I know some people do this and I was wondering how you all do it.

I also know QT is the single best option but I simply dont have the space or time to QT fish for six weeks so my next best option is dipping the fish. I have Paraguard and I have Methylene Blue and Formalin on hand.

 

[skriz]

Paraguard or prazipro
formalin mixed with meth blue
freshwater
copper

I'd also pick up a line of meds by Seachem in case you need to medicate.

 

[jennm]

A dip might be helpful if you know what you're dipping for - but you're taking a shot in the dark. If you bath for ich, but the fish is brewing Brooklynella, you're wasting your time. Etc....

There is no substitute for quarantine. Unfortunately most people don't see the necessity for it until AFTER...

Jenn

 

[coolsurf]

Quarantine is choice number 1. FW dip is still recommended to rid parasites such as flukes, etc.

 

[ichthyoid]

I use smaller (10gal) QT, do partial water change about every other day, keep med's dosed. I put in some PVC 'decorations' from HD plumbing dept for habitat (pipe parts and pieces, won't absorb meds). Keep lights low (low stress), no gravel, use old hang on filter with no carbon, feed well.

 

[jgoal55]

See a ten gallon QT tank I could probably handle, but once you get into some larger fish that obviously wont work....I also know that I wont do the water changes on schedule so in my case the QT might cause more stress than just a dip.....

Now that said......how should the dip process go....I figure while like Jenn said it might not get all the diseases/parasites, a formalin dip will get most of them (?????)

I know Brandon has told me how to do this many times, but I always forget......

 

[jeffmuse]

I went with a very simple quarantine tank (10 gallons) for my system, and it has worked out really well. I don't think that I paid more than $50 for the whole thing... basically I threw most of the components together

I use Sea Chem Stress guard when adding new fish to the system and then treat any problems as they arise.

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[skriz]

Just remember that a qt tank is very very different from a hospital tank.

As far as the formalin dip goes, I add meth blue to the solution. This counteracts certain Negative aspects of the formalin. Depending on the fish, you can do up to an hour long dip.

 

[jgoal55]

Thanks Raj......whats the process for the dip? Like in steps......

 

[skriz]

Jgoal55;464954 wrote: Thanks Raj......whats the process for the dip? Like in steps......

1. Float the fish bags and acclimate as normal.
2. Remove 1g of tank water.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of Formalin
4. Add 1/2-1 tspn of Meth Blue
5. Mix
6. Add air stone and heater and let stablize
7. Add fish and "dip" for up to 1 hour.
8. Remove another gallon of tank water for a bath
9. Remove fish from Foma-meth solution and place in bath water.
10. Bathe fish for 10-15 minutes.

This is what I've always done. This may not be what the manufacturers specify. Chemicals are toxic and can cause harm to oneself and the livestock. Use at your own risk. Don't smoke while dipping fish. Smoking is for losers. Kids, don't try this at home.

 

[jgoal55]

cool...thanks raj....for step 1...acclimate him to the tank water right? not just the temp?

 

[smoothie]

Jgoal55;464809 wrote: See a ten gallon QT tank I could probably handle, but once you get into some larger fish that obviously wont work....I also know that I wont do the water changes on schedule so in my case the QT might cause more stress than just a dip.....

Now that said......how should the dip process go....I figure while like Jenn said it might not get all the diseases/parasites, a formalin dip will get most of them (?????)

I know Brandon has told me how to do this many times, but I always forget......

Don't leave out the idea of tupperware. Sizes vary and you can stash your xmas ornaments in it next year