I did not test the water. I just got them out of it and into the tank. The tank has shown no signs of any cycling issues as I used a well established filter and put in teh algae gravel (to help the otos which I had heard could be difficult to supplement initially). I fed live teh first two days (bbs and microworms). I then added flake and golden pearls into the mix.I did daily water changes and cleaned out any uneaten food. The tank has been kept pristine. We did plop and drop acclimation as they were stressed and it was very late. The water was very cloudy that they came in and we were very worried about adding my hard water to the contaminated/ammonia water as the toxicity of ammonia and nitrite goes up as the hardness increases. This was not ideal, but was the best way to prevent further ammonia burn.
What is most confusing to me is that they died on day 5. I coul dhave understood it happening more in the first couple days. I have imported other fish (not in this volume) and have not had any problems. Just last week I got in habrosus cories and erythromicron rasboras, very very few losses.
When you get in fish, do you treat for any parasites? What would you recommend me doing now for the remaining fish (hatchets, otos, and some other pencilfish and tetras that came in as contaminants). They seem the same, but I am unsure of what to do. This whole experience has me so nervous I am dreaming about these **** fish at night.
All advice is welcome!!
If shippers know the concept/technique of fish shipping, they most likely have shipped fish in slightly acidic water than their ideal pH for a reason you just mentioned.
I've seen fish that came in cloudy water and did well and Ive seen fish that came out of clear but did not do well. Thus clarity of water doen not mean prove the condition is acceptable.
FOr example, when I received 10 boxes of cardinals (approx 500/Bx) at the same time, I found that that water condition of each box are not always the same thus will approach each box accordingly which yield smaller mortality rate..
For I know, it could have been the condition of your tank water which may have cause this mishap , Who know?
If your water is hard and alkaline in your location, there are few things you can do by utilizing what you already know which may help reducing chances of such mishap.
Shipping method have improved and improving as industry utilizes what we already know. And hobbyist whi is receiving such shipments should be ready. By learning and improving technique from such mishap/errors, I have made drastic decrease in their mortality rate.
I dont know the whole scenario with you but the following are the general steps I would've taken.
1. Styrofoam box that came with shipment can be utilized as acclimationg pan. Usually box shipment of f/w fish would contain b/n 2-3 G.
You already know the possibility that this water is bound to have some ammonia with lower pH (acidic or lower than 7.4) thus idea is to add tank water to one side of styro and drain out on the other thus dilution of [NH3]. This is better than just introducing fish out of bag to tank w/o acclimation.
***Punch lots of holes on on side of styroform with pen. Lay filter pad on this side so small fish dont get suck in. You can place this styro inside cat litter pan so water from styro can drain into cat litter pan. YOu can have small pond pump with hose to drain water from litter pan.
I have built channels on concrete floor of my fish room with diy sump pit and sump pump so I did not have to carry bucket when my attention is needed with fish.
Pardon my drawing but you can diy some tools or simple IV tubing with control know will do.
I would do fast drip in the beginning to dilute/drain ammonia from acclimating container (styro). Testing is important fro this reason. slow down with time.
Above is not the case with tank being soft/medium hard or slightly acidic water.
I would have at least added chemical to tank (provided no fish in it) temporarily lower the pH close to bag water then flush the acclimating pan but much slowly.
Again, I always chosen the method depending on each water condition. I would have few batches of reserve prepared when expecting shipments.
Always log the conditions, actions taken and results. You will be surprised how much you will learn or improve your skills/techniques from such records.
Bear in mind that most are shipped with anesthetics depending on duration of trip. Thus such fish requires more darker surrounding and gentle handling. Even their new home (tank) should be dark.
One more thing. Since these fish were in small amt of water thus do not introduce new fish in very deep water.
Since water from tank have been used during acclimation, you should leave the water level as is as long as filter(s) is/are running.
You should add water gradually over long span (all depends on condition of water in the tank and behavior of fish).
If you dont understand any of above, lmk for next time..
I will do whatever i can to assist.
Medication on the newly arrived from long trip. It all depends on the situation.
I will try my best to avoid meds unless really needed, especially med containing heavy metals or with high toxicity level.
As far as rest of the fish, I would leave them alone provided water is up to par or fish shows otherwise.
Most Neons were transhipped from SE Asia. Such long trip could have adverse effects on fish , especially improperly handled both before and after. Would you mind to share info where you got these fish.
I am trying to get situated with few specifics.
Hope all goes well soon!
As far as nitrite in the bag, high amt of dissolved mineral are actually beneficial in controlling toxicity of nitrite.
