Tank wipeout

[PharmrJohn]

When your tank is ready to go again, I would put together a list of fish you want to put in. Be aware of their eventual maximum size when choosing. The old rule was 1 inch of fish to 3 gallons of water. I have heard of those who push the limits up, and wonder if you can go towards a 1:2 ratio based on equipment and tank size. I would confirm this before going there. But get a fish list together and start a thread with your ideas. I did that. And got shot down in a few areas where I had not considered something. Then modify and repost. Rinse and repeat.

In terms of procuring new fish, you CAN get those from a vendor that has already QT'd them. That's what I plan to do. At least at the beginning with the first few until my own QT cycles and becomes a safe environment. But in this hobby, you absolutely need the ability to QT fish in case of something completely unexpected occurs. And trust me......it will.

 

[PharmrJohn]

And I do feel ya. My last tank went down several years ago in a spectacular fashion. Nothing I could do. It affected me so much I quit. That was a mistake. Do not be me!

 

[MnFish1]

Sorry to hear this. I would set up a QT/hospital tank of some type and treat your fish in that - you should be able to get a cheap tank, heater and sponge filter - as well as some bottled bacteria which will do the trick. Treat all of the fish for 30 days with copper per protocol - followed by Prazipro as directed 2 doses 8 days apart. (There is a protocol at the top of the thread in the forum). Then you can remove medication - but leave your display tank fallow for 6-8 weeks. A seachem alert badge can be helpful to monitor ammonia in the small QT tank.

I know it's a hassle, however, those are the recommendations I have. You could put the fish in a tank and do hypo salinity (if you don't want to do copper) - however, in the chance this is velvet not ich, hyposalinity will not help. Hope this helps - feel free to ask any other questions!