preparing some fresh water for a dip

[dixiedog]

I have a new clam that is beginning to display signs of possible PMD, which may necessitate a 30 minute FW dip, if the symptoms persist or worsen. My question is, in order to make the dip as non-stressful as possible for the clam (or other animals I might need to dip in the future, for that matter), what is the best method to prepare the water?

I was thinking I would start with RODI water, and bring the Alk/Ca/Mg levels up to match those of the DT using the 2-part solutions I already have on hand.

Does anyone see a problem with this, or have a different/better method to suggest?

 

[TheAquatard]

I'm no expert on the subject but I do know a little about biology. RODI water is going to pull out alot of electrolytes from the clam. I don't know how well it will respond to that. You definitely want to match the temperature and pH, which will need the help of a buffer. Hopefully someone else could chime in.

 

[dixiedog]

Bump.

No one uses FW dips for anything, ever?

 

[billsreef]

Just adjust the pH to be close to normal SW values, aerate well, and adjust temp

 

[dixiedog]

Bill, what would you recommend to raise the pH?

Would BRS alk recipe one do the trick?

 

[billsreef]

Any decent alk supplement will do the trick. Even the old baked baking soda, aka washing soda

 

[dixiedog]

Okay cool, thank you.

Last night, I mixed up a gallon of freshwater with a perfect Ca/ALk/Mg level to match my display (420/9/1350) and dipped the clam - and to my great satisfaction, he shows no sign of the PMD today.

But it'd be nice to just skip the Ca and Mg next time.