Terry's Hypo Transfer Method

[baobao]

I added a Puffer fish to a QT I set up last night(Friday). I think Terry's h/t method advocates transfer every third day. So should I transfer puffer to another tank on Sunday night?

Important Question - Can I still use my current hang on the back (HOB) filter, or would I need to switch HOB each time I transfer fish?

 

[SAT]

I would wait until Monday (72 hours) to minimize the number of moves. And yes, you either need a different filter for each transfer or you need to completely sterilize it (which significantly reduces its effectiveness). Basically, the only unsterilized item should move between the tanks is the fish.

Instead of relying on filters, you can monitor the ammonia levels and change water or use an ammonia detox solution as necessary. I find it usually takes more than 3 days for the water to become highly toxic anyway.

 

[TerryB]

You cannot use the same filter in both tanks. Once you move the fish from tank number one, that tank and everything in it must be dried. Drying kills the ich left behind. After three more days you then transfer the fish from tank number 2 back into tank number one. Then tank number 2 and EVERYTHING in it must be dried. Repeat the process until the fish have been moved 4 times or more. I prefer moving them 5 or 6 times.

Terry B

 

[kevin2000]

My 02

You need to toss the filter media but you don't need to purchase a second HOB filter mechanism ... just scrub the HOB with some diluted bleach water and dry before using in the next QT chamber.

I am unsure of the logic of using hypo combined with the transfer method ... most who use the transfer method do so because it accelerates the treatment time for fish ... but if your using hypo then prudence would dictate you should slowly acclimate your fish back to normal salinity which seems a bit contrary to the acceleration benefit of using the transfer method. Since the transfer method works just fine using normal salinity thats an option you might consider.

Also note that if a ich infested fish has been in your ST any shortened treatment associated with the transfer method is meaningless since you still need to leave your ST fallow to kill off the ich within that tank.

Hope this helps

 

[TerryB]

Kevin,

The reason that I believe using hyposaline conditions in the transfer tank will help stems from my studies on physiological and biochemical consequences of stress on fish. Handling fish every third day while administrating the transfer method causes stress. Osmotic disturbance is inherent to stress in fish. Reducing the salinity gradient between the surrounding water and the internal fluids of the fish help alleviate this problem.

Terry B

 

[baobao]

Does the transfer method also work for Brookynella? Even if it doesn't, in light of fact that with exception of clownfish, most disease afflcited fish have either Amyoodinium or Crypt, this method seems terrific - especially, because whenever I lose fish to what I think is Amyloodinium, my sense is that it is usually too late. By the time it is detected, I have to subject fish to a lot more stress with copper/fw dips. I understand that transfering fish has inherent risk - albeit this can be significantly minimzed by simply matching water parameters ( PH, temperature, and salinity?).

 

[kevin2000]

Terry

I understand your position ... however I think the transfer/bucket method is a poor choice if one is trying to focus on reducing stress and if one has the ability to accurately measure salinity to perform hyposalinity in a bucket then I would recommend adding a couple weeks to the process and perform hypo in a std QT.

 

[Steven Pro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6677284#post6677284 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by baobao
Does the transfer method also work for Brookynella?

It is not likely to help since Brooklynella does not drop off the fish to reproduce like Cryptocaryon or Amyloodinium do.

In my opinion, most of the stress involved with the transfer method comes from catching and handling the fish while moving them as well as exposure to ammonia because of the use of sterile, uncycled tanks.

 

[TerryB]

Boaboa,

The transfer method is not a cure all so it won't help with brooklynella. The transfer method is not even my first choice to treat amyloodinium or cryptocaryon. It is an alternative method that can be used when the other two proven methods can't. Example: You encounter an unusual strain of Crypt that is resistant to low salinity and the species of fish are very sensitive to copper (or you can't find some Cupramine).

Terry B

 

[TerryB]

Kevin,

I agree with you. The transfer method is not my treatment of choice. It is an alternative method that actually works. My concern with the transfer method has always been the amount of stress due to repeated handling and removing the fish from water. Below is a couple of snippet from the March 2004 issue of Advanced Aquarist with my comments about the transfer method:

Overcoming difficulties associated with the transfer method
Reducing the gradient between the internal fluids of fish and the surrounding ambient water alleviates water and ion disturbance ((Wedemeyer, 1996). Energy that would otherwise be consumed in osmoregulation is conserved making more available for other normal bodily functions such as maintaining normal homeostasis. Using hyposaline water conditions in combination with the transfer method will reduce the consequent stress of transfer and handling. (Wedemeyer, 1972. Murai, et al., 1979).

Pretreating fish with an immune system stimulant such as Beta 1,3D glucan will help them to proliferate the production of macrophage and enhance major host defenses of the immune system (Bartelme, 2003c). Orally administrating Beta glucan will stimulate immune function, helping fish to overcome or avoid infection. Animal studies indicate that Beta glucan is safe to administer in a wide dosage range. A dosage of 4mg/lb. per day is recommended.

"Netting and chasing fish during capture are frequent sources of injury and stress (Bartelme, 2003b). Fish cannot easily see clear polyethylene bags or specimen containers that can be used instead of nets for capture, transfer and handling (Spotte, 1993 & 1979). Since the fish cannot see them, capture should be quicker and safer. The fish will also be less likely to become exhausted trying to avoid capture. Removing fish from their native environment (water) is highly stressful and often causes injury (Ferguson & Tufts, 1992. Flagg & Harrell, 1990). Fish captured in a clear plastic bag or specimen container never have to be removed from water during transfer and handling (Kreiberg, 1994)."

"Four steps to improving the hyposaline-transfer or "hypo-*****" method
Fish are pretreated with Beta 1, 3D glucan 24 hours prior to being moved to stimulate immune function and increase biological defense mechanisms. Continue to administer Beta glucan in the food daily throughout the entire duration of the hyposaline transfer method of treatment.
Fish are captured and transferred using clear polyethylene bags or plastic containers.
Fish are transferred water to water without exposure to the air.
A reduced salinity is employed in the treatment tanks as a means of counteracting any hydromineral or osmotic disturbance caused by the stress of handling, capture and transfer in saltwater fish. Conversely, adding salt to the water with freshwater fish accomplishes the same thing (Wedemeyer, 1996). "

Cheers,
Terry B