TT Method & Holding Tank

[mattsilvester]

Hi All,

So I am in day 4 of TT. putting all my fish through it. When its done, I will place them in a holding tank and let the DT fallow for 72 days. Gonna beat ich once and for all!!!

So, on the same day I started the TT, I also bought a canister filter. I filled a 5 gallon bucket with new salt water. I added 1 table shrimp and 1 clam - fresh from the sea food market, in the hope that some friend bacteria will introduced with them, and started the canister filter. So, I have let that rotting now for 3-4 days. I measured the ammonia, it is 8ppm+. Should I now remove the decaying shrimp and shrimp and clam, for fear it will become too rotten?

The plan is, when the TT is up (in 11 days time) I will set up a new Q-tine system, and transfer the filter (which will have had some chance to mature). As necessary, I will do large water changes and/or use ammonia remover to help things along.

 

[HumbleFish]

If you're getting a 8ppm ammonia reading, then the rotting shrimp/clam has done it's part and can now be removed. What media are you using inside the canister filter to harbor the bacteria? You probably won't have enough bacteria seeded in just 2 weeks time to completely handle your QT bioload. But it should help some with the ammonia.

 

[Mrscribbled]

I've had great success with instant ocean bio spira on new sterile tanks.


Posted from ReefCentral.com App for Android

 

[sleepydoc]

+1
You've got food (NH4) for the biofilter (bacteria,) now you just need to wait for them to multiply. The biospira or another culture additive will help, but 2 weeks of TT probably won't be enough time. When you put the fish in the QT, have it filled with fresh water and keep a close eye on the NH4. Have some prime or amquel and fresh salt water available if/when the NH4 starts to spike up.

 

[mattsilvester]

Thanks guys.

Yes - I will be prepared for the less-than-ideal conditions. and will have enough water at the correct temperature and s.g. for 100% water changes continuously on the go - just in case.

sparse feeding and daily syphoning will no doubt help the cause.

Media - the canister came complete with bio-media, carbon, sponge, and wool..... good enough to start.

 

[mattsilvester]

I made a mistake!

I was supposed to transfer the fish at 10pm last night. I forgot, and remembered first thing today and transferred them at 10am. This was transfer number 2.

1. Is this a serious problem? Do I need to "restart" from day 1?
2. Should I continue as per the original schedule (transfer at 10pm) or continue on the new schedule (10am)?

 

[jjk_reef00]

I made a mistake!

I was supposed to transfer the fish at 10pm last night. I forgot, and remembered first thing today and transferred them at 10am. This was transfer number 2.

1. Is this a serious problem? Do I need to "restart" from day 1?
2. Should I continue as per the original schedule (transfer at 10pm) or continue on the new schedule (10am)?

I would restart from day 1.
It is better to transfer in the morning because of the lifecycle.
I would advise at least a month in observation because I've had ich slip through tank transfer before (may have been my own operator error).

 

[Breadman03]

I would restart from day 1.
It is better to transfer in the morning because of the lifecycle.
I would advise at least a month in observation because I've had ich slip through tank transfer before (may have been my own operator error).

+1, especially since your holding tank is still cycling. You really won't be wasting anything.

 

[mattsilvester]

Thanks for the replies.

Day 1 it is then - but I guess there is no harm as such, since the holding is cycling and the DT is going to be fallow for quite some time.

 

[mattsilvester]

So far so good - all is going well, no causalities.

This exercise is a bid to rid my system of ich once and for all. My DT is now on day 15 of 72. So I am thinking, while the fish are in quarantine, would it not be a good idea to q-tine a couple of other "new additions" at the same time.

So I will be transferring current fish to the 50 gal holding tank (36"x18"x18") next weekend, and adding the semi-mature canister filter. That takes me to day 22 of "fallow". 50 days remaining. So, allow the q-tine facility to "mature" for another week or two, then add any other fish which I intend to put into the display, and dose with copper to ensure nothing gets through the net..... there will be a good 30 days to complete treatment.

Is that going to be ok?

 

[HumbleFish]

Personally, I would play it safe, and QT any new additions separately from my existing fish. There is always more than Ich to worry about; other ailments that copper won't treat (i.e. Brook, bacterial infections). Plus there's the added strain on your semi-mature canister filter. I just wouldn't do it.

 

[mattsilvester]

So far so good - all is going well, no causalities.

This exercise is a bid to rid my system of ich once and for all. My DT is now on day 15 of 72. So I am thinking, while the fish are in quarantine, would it not be a good idea to q-tine a couple of other "new additions" at the same time.

So I will be transferring current fish to the 50 gal holding tank (36"x18"x18") next weekend, and adding the semi-mature canister filter. That takes me to day 22 of "fallow". 50 days remaining. So, allow the q-tine facility to "mature" for another week or two, then add any other fish which I intend to put into the display, and dose with copper to ensure nothing gets through the net..... there will be a good 30 days to complete treatment.

Is that going to be ok?

I guess your right. I am going to a lot of time and effort to rectify my earlier impatience and bad judgement. Caution is the elder brother to wisdom!