Measuring Salinity during Hyposalinity

[E Rosewater]

I'm not planning on doing this anytime soon but it was just on my mind so I decided to post.

How do people know they're accurately measuring salinity during hyposalinity treatments for ich?

I know, use a refractometer, but our hobbyist refractometers tend to have a limited linear response around a calibration point. Hence the differences people see when calibrating with RO/DI vs. a 35ppt standard.

That mixed with the extremely narrow window between killing your fish and ineffective treatment makes me think that all the talk of a "Hypo resistant ich" is more an effect of us using our equipment outside of their useful ranges, rather than some super bug.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I'm not planning on doing this anytime soon but it was just on my mind so I decided to post.

How do people know they're accurately measuring salinity during hyposalinity treatments for ich?

I know, use a refractometer, but our hobbyist refractometers tend to have a limited linear response around a calibration point. Hence the differences people see when calibrating with RO/DI vs. a 35ppt standard.

That mixed with the extremely narrow window between killing your fish and ineffective treatment makes me think that all the talk of a "Hypo resistant ich" is more an effect of us using our equipment outside of their useful ranges, rather than some super bug.

I agree, and the inability of many folks to get (and maintain) an exact SG is one of a few reasons that I personally no longer consider hypo to be an effective ich cure.

 

[snorvich]

I agree, and the inability of many folks to get (and maintain) an exact SG is one of a few reasons that I personally no longer consider hypo to be an effective ich cure.

I agree. Instrumentation and calibration is one thing, but maintaining it is very difficult.

 

[Deinonych]

I agree, and the inability of many folks to get (and maintain) an exact SG is one of a few reasons that I personally no longer consider hypo to be an effective ich cure.

+1

Tank transfer is a much better alternative if you don't want to use medications. It's a bit more challenging with multiple fish, however.