Avoiding cross-contamination on tools/equipment

[LobsterOfJustice]

This summer I am going to tank transfer all my fish in batches, and let the DT go fallow for three months. My goal is to remove small chronic levels of ich that I know are in the tank, but have not reached outbreak proportions - I think it's better to deal with it now when I'm not in a rush and fish are mostly in good health than to scramble when one day down the road an outbreak occurs.

I do NOT want to ever do this again :lol: What do I need to do to equipment, QT decorations, etc to make sure I avoid cross contamination? I am going to segregate equipment the best I can, but once the first batch goes through TT and into the holding tank, I am going to have to designate equipment "clean" and some "potential ich contact" - what is the simplest way to clean "potential ich contact" stuff? What is the best way to clean setups between tank transfers? Is a 24h soak in tap water, followed by complete drying sufficient?

 

[scooter31707]

I purchased 2x 10 gallon tanks, 2 heaters, 2 thermometers, and one air pump. I brought enough air line to last 12 days and brought 4 air stones. I also went to the hardware store and brought PVC for hiding spots, buying 2 of the same. I setup the TTM tanks the same way, so it appears to the fish that both tanks looks the same. I've noticed they are more relaxed that way. After I transfer the fish, I fill up the kitchen sink with tap water and a cap full of bleach, and soak all equipment in their for at least 2 hours. Then I drain all the water, fill it back up again and put about a half of cap of Prime and let soak about 1 hour. After that, I rinse real good and let dry until use. For as the tank, I take it outside and put a cap full of bleach in it and rinse real good with the water hose and also let dry until use.

 

[scooter31707]

Forgot, I use the same air pump for both tanks, but I discard the airstone and air hose after use.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I use 2 sets of everything and once used, it is labeled and never goes near a DT again.
Use a bleach rinse and air dry between TTM steps. Pay attention to the impellers and the intake tubes.

How many fish and what size? What will you be holding them in after TTM while the DT is fallow?
Since you are planning ahead, cycling the holding tank now will make your life easier.
You can't start the clock on your fallow period until the last fish is out of the DT.