Help with proper freshwater dip regimen for fish??

[jlinzmaier]

I just got a kole tang and a half dozen chromis. Before I add them to my DT I'd like to try a freshwater dip to ensure they don't have flukes (I've heard the FW dip will cause flukes to fall off which will give a good indication of infestation).

I've never done FW dips on fish. Can someone give me some pointers.

RO/DI vs tap water??

Length of time??

Should I add a buffer to raise pH to tank water levels??

Anything else I should consider??

I'll adjust temp to match tank.

Thanks!

Jeremy

 

[roshi719]

Use ro/di water, same temp as the tank, and adjust it to the same pH as the tank. I usually leave them in the dip for about 10 min.

 

[jlinzmaier]

Really appreciate your reply. How much experience have you had with freshwater dipping? Is it quite stressful for the fish? I'd sure like to evaluate for flukes, which aren't very easily seen as they often burrow into the gills, but I don't want to cause so much stress that it makes the fish weak and prone to other illnesses. Is it common practice for people to do freshwater dips? I just recently read a long and detailed thread about how frequently flukes can cause illness and death in fish so I thought I should do my best to prevent any tank infestation.

Jeremy

 

[Yellowtang]

Here's a how to:
How To Give Fish a Freshwater Dip or Bath

JR,

 

[jlinzmaier]

Here's a how to:
How To Give Fish a Freshwater Dip or Bath

JR,

Hey. Thanks. That was perfect!!

Jeremy

 

[SDguy]

One thing to keep in mind: Don't dump the fish directly from the shipping bag into the pH adjusted FW. The pH in the shipping bag may be quite low. Slowly acclimate the fish to tank water. Then, once acclimated, do a FW bath in temp and pH adjusted FW, then place in tank.

 

[jlinzmaier]

I've had fish in QT for two days now. PH of QT is 8.0 and I'll match the FW. Every one of them are eating well so if I see no signs of parasites with the FW dip then I'll acclimate them to the DT. Seems quick with only 2 days QT but the fish all seem very healthy and aren't showing any signs of illness.

Jeremy