Problem with QT and Prazipro

[Chappy]

This is the first time I have used a qt for new fish. I set up a 58 gallon with a hang on the back filter, heater and power head. I got a mimic tang, naso, and 10 blue chromis. I didn't put any of the medication in the first two days and the fish were fine. I then put the recommended amount of prazipro and half the fish were dead in two days. Not sure what happened and I decided to add the fish to my display tank right away. That are fine now, that was about a month ago. They were also the first inhabitants of the new tank.

I just received another shipment of fish. I set up a 10 gallon qt. the fish were fine the first day. I added the prazipro and the next day 6 were dead.???

What is happening?

 

[sasharotty]

What was the ammonia levels? Any water changes done? My guess is the ammonia spiked and killed off the fish. Thats alot of fish for a 58 and tangs are messy. I had a kole and a small yellow tang in a 50 QT and i was changing water every other day.

 

[zeebies]

^^^ PraziPro + ammonia = lethal

 

[ridetheducati]

My procedures are below and should help you in the future:

My quarantine system:

1. Quarantine tank(s): two 10 gallon glass aquariums for most small and medium sized fish. For larger fish a 30 gallon aquarium. One fish per tank. Schooling fish like Anthias are kept together.
2. Heater: small submersible heater.
3. Thermometer: mercury-in-glass thermometer.
4. Filtration: Aqua Clear HOB filter Model 50 per tank
5. Test kits: Seachem Ammonia Alert and a copper test kit.
6. Medications: Praziquantel, Metronidazole, Maracyn Two, and Cupramine.
7. Shelter: (1) Four inch PVC "T" or sanitary tee, I prefer the sanitary tee, per tank.
8. Light: Any light to see the fish eyes and body well.
9. Salt: Always have enough salt water and RODI water for emergencies.
10. Temperature: 80 - 82 degrees
11. Salinity: 1.023 - 1.025

_______________________________________________________________________

1. I always keep several bags of Fluval Biomax filter media in the sump of the main display to seed the QT, especially if I make an impulse buy. Note: once the media leaves the sump it never returns.
2. Day one: add new fish to the QT tank with lights out and do not attempt to feed.
3. Day two: medicate with Prazi and Metro, always follow manufacturer instructions.

· Prazi - treats flukes, tapeworms and flatworms
· Metronidazole - dewormer. intestinal protozoan infections.

4. Week 1, Day seven, perform a 25 to 50% water change with new saltwater.
5. Week 2, Day eight, begin Cupramine medication after the water change.

· Cupramine is a copper-based medication and will cure fish of ich, marine velvet, external parasites, and a number of other diseases. Follow manufacturer instructions. This is particularly important for Cupramine because overdosing copper is deadly to fish. Test for copper levels to make sure you have dosed the right amount.

6. Week 4 - 5, Observe fish over the next two weeks, if you see any signs of bacterial infection such as fin rot or cloudy eyes, administer Maracyn Two.

· Maracyn Two is a broad spectrum antibiotic.

7. Week 6, Prepare to move the fish to the main display.

Fish Evaluation Criteria

Rating 1 - 5
Fish requires immediate attention (not eating, obvious physical trauma, etc)
Rating 6 - 8
Continue to monitor swimming, eating, and complete medication regiment
Rating 9 - 10
Ready to be moved to main display (Strong,Fat and happy)

Additional notes: During the entire quarantine process, make sure you are testing for ammonia and measuring specific gravity daily. Top off the water as needed and perform water changes if ammonia levels begin to rise to dangerous levels. Never add neutralizers like Amquel or Seachem Prime to detoxify ammonia because they can greatly increase the toxicity of Cupramine. You will have to administer more Cupramine whenever you perform water changes; add Cupramine in gradual increments and test copper levels so you don't overdose.