TTM with a Lionfish

[germs101]

I am currently doing the tank transfer method with a few fish. I am drip acclimating a 2" Lionfish that I wasn't planning on quarantining because it will be the only one in my daughter's tank.

I just now thought about it, and although it being quarantined is kind of irrelevant, but that means I need to always be vigilant about my equipment when I clean my other thank. This Lionfish was held for 2 months before shipping to me, but I'd never be sure.

I'm starting to think I should preform TTM for the Lionfish, but I don't have another bubbler. Considering it's size, and how sedentary a Dwarf Lionfish is, is a bubbler very necessary? Can I be successful with just a bucket?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

How do you mean "with just a bucket"? By bubbler are you talking about an airline?

 

[germs101]

Yes, an airline tube ( the name had escaped me haha). I was going to use a 5 gallon bucket as I read that was fine on the TTM thread here. I have a cheap filter on hand, but I can't guarantee it will dry in-between transfers. I figured with active fish it is absolutely necessary, but I don't want to assume I can get away with not using one here.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

He absolutely will need air/flow.

 

[Humblefish]

To do TTM properly, you need two of everything. In your case: two buckets, two heaters, two air stones, separate airline tubing, etc. Nothing can be shared between the two buckets, and you must sterilize/air dry everything for 2-3 days before reusing it for the next transfer. The reason for this is to kill any tomonts which might be attached to the bucket/equipment.

 

[germs101]

Thanks for the feedback.
Maybe you can tell me if this will work. I have an equal sized Blue Reef Chromis in quarantine that I will do the TTM after the ones currently in it are out. The only reason the Lionfish looks bigger is because of the pectoral fins. Ultimately they are going in different tanks, but for now is the Chromis safe if they were in the same tank?

 

[germs101]

To do TTM properly, you need two of everything. In your case: two buckets, two heaters, two air stones, separate airline tubing, etc. Nothing can be shared between the two buckets, and you must sterilize/air dry everything for 2-3 days before reusing it for the next transfer. The reason for this is to kill any tomonts which might be attached to the bucket/equipment.

I have doubles of everything except the airline pump. I have a 6 pack of new air stones and 25' of new tubing. This should work, right? The pump is external and the bucket is covered, so I figured using it was ok?

 

[Humblefish]

I have an equal sized Blue Reef Chromis in quarantine that I will do the TTM after the ones currently in it are out. The only reason the Lionfish looks bigger is because of the pectoral fins. Ultimately they are going in different tanks, but for now is the Chromis safe if they were in the same tank?

That's a tough call. Personally, I wouldn't risk it. I can see the lion at least trying to swallow him at some point. Besides, what are the odds of the chromis brushing up against the lion in such a confined space? @Lionfish Lair what do you think?

I have doubles of everything except the airline pump. I have a 6 pack of new air stones and 25' of new tubing. This should work, right? The pump is external and the bucket is covered, so I figured using it was ok?

That should be fine then.

 

[germs101]

Something else I've been wondering about TTM is how to properly clean our hands/arms when switching from tank to tank? Is soapy water and dried skin good enough, and does it make a difference how long our skin is dry? I can't remember seeing that clarified in my research.

 

[Humblefish]

Something else I've been wondering about TTM is how to properly clean our hands/arms when switching from tank to tank? Is soapy water and dried skin good enough, and does it make a difference how long our skin is dry? I can't remember seeing that clarified in my research.

I always just use antibacterial soap and then rinse my hands thoroughly. But be OCD about it. Take your time washing everything, even up to your elbows if necessary.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Do you have a picture of the two? The lion could be super hungry, if he hasn't eaten in awhile, thereby increasing the risk. I think the size, however, may keep that from happening at this point. If you can get a picture of them together, I'll give you my honest opinion of that risk.

I make a water and alcohol spray mix that I use between tanks. You don't have to worry about soap residue then.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

If you have dry hands, the spray WILL hurt. I'm a nurse and used a gel 100s of times a night..... the sting just reminds you you're alive

 

[germs101]

Do you have a picture of the two?

Actually, the Chomis just died . I just made another thread about that. I'd love your opinion.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/is-quarentine-tank-safe-to-use-after-a-death.255454/

 

[germs101]

If you have dry hands, the spray WILL hurt. I'm a nurse and used a gel 100s of times a night..... the sting just reminds you you're alive

That's great to know! I never would have thought about it

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I would roll with what @melypr1985 said and sterilize that before putting the lion in there.

I've actually never used the TTM.