The Tank Transfer Method

[Agraves77]

Hello all,

I have had multiple instances with ich and I am fed up. So I was considering and have pretty much decided on the Transfer method. However I have a few questions:

1.) How many days until you transfer? I have heard every day and up to every 3 days.

2.) Any experiences with this method from someone who has done this would be greatly appreciated.

3.) What about with medications during this time period?

 

[lagatbezan]

I do every 3 days (72 hours max). It allows ample time for all the equipment to be fully dry minimizing the chances of error. As soon as I do the transfer, I wash all the equipment with water and then dry with paper towels and put on the side to fully dry. you can use water/bleach or water/vinegar if you want as well but having the equipment fully dry is usually enough to kill all the ich.
I do prazipro between the 2nd and 4th transfer as well if the fish are eating.
I do a total of 6 transfers min to be on the safe side.
TTM works only for Ich so keep an eye on the fish in case other diseases like velvet, Brook or uronema.

 

[scooter31707]

The whole method should be no less than 12 days. You can go 2/2/2/2/2/2 also can do the regular 3/3/3/3, or you could do 2/3/2/3/2. Which ever one fits your schedule. I have done all 3 with great success. I also dose prazi-pro at the beginning of the 2nd and 4th transfer. I also give them a 50 minute Formalin bath upon arrival. Sterilizing is key and drying it out. Make sure the next set of equipment to be used is at least 10ft or greater away from the current setup, so will not have any water or bubbles popping near them.

 

[Agraves77]

What about fish load? How many fish do you normally do at once? One? Or multiples?

Thank you!

 

[scooter31707]

What about fish load? How many fish do you normally do at once? One? Or multiples?

Thank you!

Depends on the size of the tanks. I have two 20 gallon long and I could do probably 3-4 small fish at once and I have did two 3-4 tangs before.

 

[booyaa138]

everything above is what I do. Transfers every 3 days for a total for 12 days. Prazi-pro 2nd and 4th transfer. Formalin bath before I put them in the first tank.

Check this link for more info

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2388428

 

[LX20000]

I do every 3 days (72 hours max). It allows ample time for all the equipment to be fully dry minimizing the chances of error. As soon as I do the transfer, I wash all the equipment with water and then dry with paper towels and put on the side to fully dry. you can use water/bleach or water/vinegar if you want as well but having the equipment fully dry is usually enough to kill all the ich.
I do prazipro between the 2nd and 4th transfer as well if the fish are eating.
I do a total of 6 transfers min to be on the safe side.
TTM works only for Ich so keep an eye on the fish in case other diseases like velvet, Brook or uronema.

Six transfers ? Do you use buckets? Or two tanks and you clean one when other is in use? Man, that has to be stressful for fish... how you catch them and move them?

 

[lagatbezan]

Six transfers ? Do you use buckets? Or two tanks and you clean one when other is in use? Man, that has to be stressful for fish... how you catch them and move them?

I use two 10g tanks and have two of everything (power-head, heater, thermometer ect) this way I can clean and allow one to fully dry and be ready for the next transfer. I use a clear species container to catch the fish, drain the water and put then in the new tank. Its fairly easy and quick and the fish usually eat right away after each transfer.

 

[scooter31707]

Six transfers ? Do you use buckets? Or two tanks and you clean one when other is in use? Man, that has to be stressful for fish... how you catch them and move them?

Actually it's really not that stressful. I setup the next tank just like the other tank, so they really don't know the difference b/c everything is in the same spot. Also when I go to transfer them, I lower the water down enough where it is just covering them and catch them with a plastic colander.