Starting a hospital tank

[Newflavor]

Hi,

I made a mistake of adding a fish to my dt after only observing the new fish for two weeks and now all my tangs have ich. My problem is I cannot catch the two purple firefish in the dt. Anyway, I'm thinking of taking about 25 gallons of water from my dt for my 55 gallon hospital tank I'm setting up and then I will mix 25 gallon of new saltwater with it. I'm planning on mixing these water with a sponge filter for a week then I will transfer all the fish in the HT. Is one week necessary to transfer the fish or can I just transfer the fish right away cuz I'm really itching to start my treatment ASAP. Also, I'm taking in consideration the amount of time my new mechanical filter and the sponge filter need before it cycles with this new tank. What do you guys think? I will only have the sponge filter in the tank and a mechanical filter with bio wheel for filtration. I will also put a heater there.

I will be using chloroquine phosphate to cure the fishes. My only concern isy dt is overflowing with pods ATM and I'm sure a lot will be transferred to the hospital tank since I'm taking 25 gallons from the dt. Can anyone advise me pls? I do t want to make a mistake. Thanks

Btw., I should also catch the firefish right? I'm worried they might end up as carriers if I leave them in the dt.

 

[Deinonych]

You can start right away, as long as temperature and salinity match the DT. I wouldn't wait for the HT to cycle, as that could take weeks. Pick up some Bio-spira and add it to the HT a couple hours before you add the fish. The bacteria will seed your sponge filter so you won't have ammonia issues. I'd also recommend picking up a Seachem Ammonia Alert badge if you can find one.

And yes, you must remove ALL fish from the DT in order to eradicate the parasite. The DT must remain fishless for at least 10 weeks so the parasite's life cycle is broken.

 

[Spar]

You can start right away, as long as temperature and salinity match the DT. I wouldn't wait for the HT to cycle, as that could take weeks. Pick up some Bio-spira and add it to the HT a couple hours before you add the fish. The bacteria will seed your sponge filter so you won't have ammonia issues. I'd also recommend picking up a Seachem Ammonia Alert badge if you can find one.

And yes, you must remove ALL fish from the DT in order to eradicate the parasite. The DT must remain fishless for at least 10 weeks so the parasite's life cycle is broken.

+1 - great advice

 

[Newflavor]

Thanks will do this ASAP.