Freshwater dip

[owen_1.1200500]

I just freshwater dipped two of my tangs for 11 minutes. I put them back into the aquarium 15 minutes ago, and they sunk to the bottom on their sides. They are still breathing but they are not moving. Does anyone know how long it takes fish to acclimate back to the water, or if they are too far gone. Please help thanks.

 

[Big G]

11 minutes is too long. Usually 5 minutes max. Take the fish gently in your hand hold them upright in their normal swimming position. And if possible, point them head first in the general direction of a powerhead-but not too close. You don't want to overwhelm the fish; you just want to move some oxygen across their gills.

 

[owen_1.1200500]

My fish store said 10-15 minutes though. Wow well this is aweful. The yellow tang just died and the sailfin tang is still kicking. I'll try what you said @Big G

 

[Big G]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/video-how-to-do-a-freshwater-dip.286639/#post-3487082

 

[KMench]

How did the sailfin tang make out?

 

[owen_1.1200500]

Sadly it died. I am really upset about those 2 losses, but hopefully I can fix any error I had for next time so it doesn't happen again. @KMench

 

[KMench]

I’m sorry to hear that

 

[smoothmove]

Freshwater dip is an old school and outdated practice. Why shock your fish? You are stressing them. IF you must do a treatment, then do a chemical dip. I do not treat any fish whatsoever. Just give them a stable environment. Sorry to hear they didn't make it.

 

[KMench]

I disagree. A freshwater dip can be a good tool for giving fish some time as well as removing flukes for diagnosis. They aren’t particularly harmful as long as you match the temp and ensure the pH isn’t too far off. I believe some of the resident fish treatment experts on here use them regularly.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I have FW dipped every fish prior to introducing them to my main tank. I have never lost a single one as a result. First thing is I verify the RO water is PH balanced to the tank. Then I fill a gallon ziplock and float it for 30 min prior to putting the new fish in there. Once in the FW bath I leave them in there for 5-7 min then transfer them to an introduction box with a micro 80 GPH pump in it. The new fish will live in the intro box for a few days to a week depending on how the tank residents behave. If all is well and no aggression is seen they are released into the tank.