Is this a bad plan?

iwishtofish · #1 11/30/2007, 11:41 AM

OK, provided I can ever catch my single fish (flame angel) that has ich, here is what I plan to do:

I have purchased a 20 gallon long tank, 100 watt heater, hob biowheel filter, thermometer, refractometer (had to correct this from original post, sorry) , inexpensive T5 light fixture. I already have a 600 gph powerhead and an air pump.

I will fill the tank to match the temperature and salinity of my DT. I will add a media bag of bio media (like fluval biomax) instead of live rock. I'll add PVC pipe so my fish can hide.

I will then cycle the tank by adding a cocktail shrimp. Once I have a large ammonia spike, I'll ditch the shrimp, and watch my levels until they drop. I will use the biowheel and hard filter media to handle ammonia throughout the process.

Once the tank has cycled, I'll try to catch the fish and acclimate it, as well as taking this opportunity to add two more compatible very small fish from the store that I would like to have in the 29g DT.

I'll then hypo the tank as quickly as I can without stressing the fish and killing the beneficial bacteria.

Nitrates that the biowheel may generate will hopefully be taken care of by adding a healthy dose of chaeto from my sump.

I'm sure I have a bad idea in there somewhere. Can anyone help point it out?

Rekonn · #2 11/30/2007, 02:02 PM

Is it possible for you to postpone the purchase of the two, other small fish? I think it would be better not to expose them to the flame's ich. Otherwise looks good! Just test for ammonia often and be prepared to do water changes if your filter can't keep up. Good thing you have a refractometer.

iwishtofish · #3 11/30/2007, 03:26 PM

I'll check for ammonia frequently, as you suggest, Rekonn. Thanks for replying!

I have pondered the ethics issue of exposing the other two new fish to ich, when they may not have it themselves. However, it seems like whenever I go to a LFS all the tanks are linked together and at least one of the fish is showing some ich. This leads me to believe that every fish I buy is more likely than not to carry the parasite. Is it unwise to treat prophylactically?

ccoons43 · #4 11/30/2007, 09:05 PM

I would think that you will have a problem with the new fish if they are not healthy when you get them. Other than that I think you will be treating them for any problems while in QT.

I could be wrong. Maybe someone else will advise if I am.

coral rules · #5 11/30/2007, 10:18 PM

I have treated 2 fish with ick in a very similar manner... it works for me.
Good Luck.