Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2011 9:51:48 GMT 11
With the availability, reasonable prices and relative ease of Importation these days I thought I would do a quick write up on the procedures I take to acclimatise wild caught fish.
The way outlined is a combination of trial and error used by me and several others who regularly handle wild fish. This is by no means the only way to acclimatise them but what has worked for me.
The fish SHOULD have been treated for several things in quarantine, I say should, as a good quarantine room will treat some of the dodgier ones do not treat for all problems. You will need to follow up treatment.
These include Internal worms, external worms, Gill flukes , white spot etc
You may be able to print this out to follow to make sure all steps are followed.
.
Acquire some clout/Metro, favourite de wormer, favourite external parasite medication. Lots of water ager. Buffers and salts if these are applicable to the species.
This may seem like a daunting and expensive list but you have just spent up big on some Wild Caught fish and the extra effort now will ensure a smoother transition to tank life.
Day -1 25% water change
Day -2 25% water change
The fish need very clean water to be introduced into. No readable Nitrates, Nitrites or Ammonia. .Do water changes anyway
Day 0 Fish arrive
Acclimatise them to their new water as you would any other fish. Introduce them to their new home. .Check for visible signs of waste, parasites clean patterning etc.
Day 1 25% water change
Their first feed should consist of Clout /Metro soaked food for internal parasites. I feed the day the fish come a couple of hours after they are in but generally within the first 24 hours will suffice.
Day 2 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food and treat for external parasites/gill flukes etc and follow manufacturers directions for re treating.
Day 3 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 4 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 5 25% water change, treat for worms and follow manufacturers directions for re treating.
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 6 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 7 25% water change
Day 8 25% water change
Day 9 25% water change
Day 10 25% water change
Day 12 25% water change
Day 14 25% water change
Day 16 25% water change
Day 18 25% water change
Day 21 25% water change
Day 24 25% water change
Day 27 25% water change
Day 28 Resume normal weekly water changes keeping an eye on parameters.
Continue to watch for signs of waste which can turn up at any time after you receive the fish.
I know some people especially bringing in tropheous up the water changes to 50%.
The way outlined is a combination of trial and error used by me and several others who regularly handle wild fish. This is by no means the only way to acclimatise them but what has worked for me.
The fish SHOULD have been treated for several things in quarantine, I say should, as a good quarantine room will treat some of the dodgier ones do not treat for all problems. You will need to follow up treatment.
These include Internal worms, external worms, Gill flukes , white spot etc
You may be able to print this out to follow to make sure all steps are followed.
.
Acquire some clout/Metro, favourite de wormer, favourite external parasite medication. Lots of water ager. Buffers and salts if these are applicable to the species.
This may seem like a daunting and expensive list but you have just spent up big on some Wild Caught fish and the extra effort now will ensure a smoother transition to tank life.
Day -1 25% water change
Day -2 25% water change
The fish need very clean water to be introduced into. No readable Nitrates, Nitrites or Ammonia. .Do water changes anyway
Day 0 Fish arrive
Acclimatise them to their new water as you would any other fish. Introduce them to their new home. .Check for visible signs of waste, parasites clean patterning etc.
Day 1 25% water change
Their first feed should consist of Clout /Metro soaked food for internal parasites. I feed the day the fish come a couple of hours after they are in but generally within the first 24 hours will suffice.
Day 2 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food and treat for external parasites/gill flukes etc and follow manufacturers directions for re treating.
Day 3 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 4 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 5 25% water change, treat for worms and follow manufacturers directions for re treating.
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 6 25% water change
Clout /Metro soaked food
Day 7 25% water change
Day 8 25% water change
Day 9 25% water change
Day 10 25% water change
Day 12 25% water change
Day 14 25% water change
Day 16 25% water change
Day 18 25% water change
Day 21 25% water change
Day 24 25% water change
Day 27 25% water change
Day 28 Resume normal weekly water changes keeping an eye on parameters.
Continue to watch for signs of waste which can turn up at any time after you receive the fish.
I know some people especially bringing in tropheous up the water changes to 50%.