Sick Fish - part 2

[fluidimagery]

I won't treat for anything until I see something. If a month goes by and still nothing... then I'll put them back in the display.

If you believe they'll get ich after this fiasco... how long would it take to happen?

 

[fluidimagery]

Sorry to keep posting..

Would it be a good idea to put some live rock from my sump into the QT tank for the time being and put a HOB filter on the back in hopes of it starting to seed.

Since I'm not treating with anything could it hurt?

If I need to treat then I'll pull the rock out and put it back in the sump.

 

[ReeferGoneMad]

you could cause a spike in the qt due to the bacteria going through SG changes and the such. just change the water.

 

[ellebelle]

If you haven't already done so, throw some PVC into your QT so that the fish have someplace to hide and get away from each other.

 

[muntai]

try gradually lowering your sg. like down to 1.016 in 3 days.

 

[fluidimagery]

there's pvc already in there... and most of the water is from the tank...

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

try gradually lowering your sg. like down to 1.016 in 3 days.

Why should he do this? What disease are you treating?

Just leave them alone in the QT tank and let them de-stress.

 

[KathyC]

You DON'T want to seed the QT tank ... no rock, no filter just the fish, a PH, an airstone and the PVC to hide in...if you do you will put it through a cycle and could possibly kill your fish.
Keep it clean with frequent water changes only.
Feed only what they will eat and siphon out any extra food.
Checking your ammonia level every couple of days to make sure you aren't getting a spike due to feeding & waste and to make sure you are changing enough water to not get a spike in the first place.

As for the possible development of ich due to the stress of moving them to the QT tank...keep your eyes open & leave them in there for a SOLID four weeks. If all looks good at that point put them back into your tank.
If you think you see anything developing, take some pics & post 'em. We'll be watching for any!!

btw- you do want to add a VERY SMALL pinch of flake food to your DT every few days to feed the bacteria that is in there..it needs to 'eat' too, or it will die.

Breathe in, breathe out...relax! The fish look great now, follow the advice you've been given. We're here for ya!!

 

[fluidimagery]

lol... I was telling myself to breath my whole way into work. I take this damn hobby way to seriously and need to relax and have fun with it instead of losing sleep and stressing out. I don't know who's more stressed... myself or the fish?

Anyway, I'm going to leave the QT as you said Kathy (PH, Heater, and PVC) I have a small PC light for a 10g tank that I have over it now just for a little light.

Currently the fish look the same, but not interested in food right now as I'm sure they're still stressed out. I'm feeding very little and will siphon out whatever I see on the bottom when I change the water tonight.

I just hope I'm not going to kill the fish by putting them in the QT tank, but I'll keep up with the water changes and hope for the best. I still think I made the right move with getting them out... at least that's what I keep telling myself.

The tank still has 8 fish in it (4 chromis, 2 mandarin, 1 Chalk Bass, 1 Clown) who are all doing great IMO. So I'm not worried about the feeding.

There are more important things in life right?

 

[digitalreefer]

There are more important things in life right?

In our lives... yes
In the fish's... not so much
Hope they all pull through ok!

 

[KathyC]

lol... I was telling myself to breath my whole way into work. I take this damn hobby way to seriously and need to relax and have fun with it instead of losing sleep and stressing out. I don't know who's more stressed... myself or the fish?

I just hope I'm not going to kill the fish by putting them in the QT tank, but I'll keep up with the water changes and hope for the best. I still think I made the right move with getting them out... at least that's what I keep telling myself.

There are more important things in life right?

Good Man! I think you've got it now!!
With water changes & monitoring you'll be fine.
I stress way too much over my tanks, but you've got me beat. Better watch out or we'll be treating YOU for ich...lol

 

[fluidimagery]

I was wondering what those white spots were...

I feel like such a beginner when it comes to this stuff, it's been 3 years and I never had a problem, I guess it was time.


BTW, I want to pick up some sort of filter that can be used on the QT now and in the future. My goal would be to leave it run it on the main tank to be seeded then use it when needed or to QT any new fish. My sump is eurobraced and the max water level is about 7 inches below the rim. I want to get a biowheel or hob but don't know how I could rig that up.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Get a wisper HOB or something like that without bio media

 

[KathyC]

I was wondering what those white spots were...

I feel like such a beginner when it comes to this stuff, it's been 3 years and I never had a problem, I guess it was time.


BTW, I want to pick up some sort of filter that can be used on the QT now and in the future. My goal would be to leave it run it on the main tank to be seeded then use it when needed or to QT any new fish. My sump is eurobraced and the max water level is about 7 inches below the rim. I want to get a biowheel or hob but don't know how I could rig that up.

Yup, just your turn...seems we all get a chance at some point. Don't go kicking yourself over it, you may not have a problem at all. Look at it as your opportunity to do your new aquascaping!

Ding! Bad idea IMO. First off, you'd be removing bacteria that is being used by your DT if you remove it each time you need to use the QT. Not awful as they'd multiply again in time, but why take the chance in a system that already has an issue if you're needing to QT.
Add to that, you wouldn't want to put it back on your DT after using it on a QT tank, who knows what nasties you'd introduce to your DT.

Either leaving it running constantly on the fishless QT (which you'd have to feed to keep the bacteria alive..see info on prior post) or keep up the parameters of the QT with frequent water changes. Short term PITA, but remember your filter would also be filtering out the meds you're adding. Easier not to use one in the first place...

btw - for your current QT, add some dark paper or something to the back & one side & place the PVC pipes in that corner...it will make the fish feel more secure if they don't have to be 'watching' for danger from all sides.

 

[fluidimagery]

Fair enough, thank you for the help Kathy.

Running a QT constantly isn't an option as I wouldn't be alive anymore... either the ich would take me down or my wife would shoot me, same ending either way.

I'll just keep doing constant water changes, daily 5g changes enough on roughly 25g of water?

I'll add some paper to the sides tonight.

 

[KathyC]

5 gs should be fine...check & find out for sure with your ammonia test kit though!

...and no, we don't want your wife to kill you

 

[fluidimagery]

Just as an update... it's been a Week in the QT.

Everyone in the tank is doing great. Nothing ever came of the "problems" I was seeing in the DT. I suppose I have to blame it on stress.

I haven't seen any of the 4 fish flashing. The Anthias (especially the male who wasn't eating) is eating like a pig. All the colors have returned.

I'm going to wait out the month and before putting them back in but it doesn't look like they had anything. I'm just happy they're alright.

The fish in the display are also doing great... as are the corals.

Thanks again for all the help, the hobby is fun once again! lol.

 

[KathyC]

I suppose I have to blame it on stress.

Hmm, whose stress? You or the fish? lol

Good to hear your group is doing so well!!
Don't forget to acclimate them back to the DT when you move them

 

[fluidimagery]

Yup, the parameters are pretty close but I will be sure to anyway. Should I keep up with the Daily 5g changes or is that too excessive?

I pay $80 for a bucket of tropic marin salt :/ Not a big deal, the health of the fish is more important than my wallet.

I'm also using Amquel after my morning feedings (I do the WC after my nightly feeding) to help the ammonia.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Stop using amquel. Take about 5 gal's out of the qt tank and dump it in the drain and take 5 gallons from the display and put it in the qt tank. Then test water see how close you really are. After that re acclimate the fish to the display tank like when you got them from the store. (Put em in a bag and float them for "X" minutes yada yada yada ) Don't let any of the QT water into the display tank if possible. Then leave the fish alone to get used to their new home, you're set!

I would do another 5g's tomorrow on the display then continue with your regular maintenance schedule.