If I Wanted To Add More Fish...

[Riso-chan]

I wanted to add more white clouds and maybe some kuhlis, but I don't have a hospital tank nor have I ever needed to use one (I know I'll likely get a reeming for this) but I wanted to know if there was something I could do to the new fish before I put them in the tank that would take care of external parasites. I have medicated food to feed for internal parasites, BTW. What do I do? Should I pass on adding more, or what? ~Angela

 

[ddayton21]

without a QT tank there is basically no way to protect your other fish. Don't feel too bad I don't have one either. (lack of space and unruly grandparents)

I have added fish many times and so far I've only had one outbreak of ich as a result.

I have never heard of medicated food but you could add your new fish and then feed it to all the fish.

 

[beviking]

None that I know of. Salt dips (and other high concentration/short duration chemical dips) are used for many external parasites but those embedded in the skin (ie ich) will be unaffected.
Your best bet is to watch the fish you want and all others for signs of infection. If they look good toward the end of the week (no flashing etc...) then buy them. Try not to introduce any of the water the fish come in into your tank. There are no gaurantees, but if you don't have a Qtank, you really don't have a choice...other than don't get any more fish.

Hopefully you've put the word out to all your friends and family that you're in NEED of a small tank. Seems to me that out of 20 people (or families I should say), at least one has a tank in their basement or attic they're not using and it usually turns out to be a 10gal. Keep an eye on the local classifieds too

 

[stingray4540]

I don't have a qtank either and have only ever had one outbreak of ich. Just look at the quality of the tanks at the lfs and make sure they are all clean and you don't see any infected tanks. Watch the fish you want for a while maybe a couple of days before you buy them, aclimate slowly and dont add store water to your tank. Once they're in, watch them for about a week to make sure things are good. You shoould be fine I wouldn't worry about adding fish. Even if you do get something it is always curable.

 

[TetraFreak]

This exact situation is why you need to search for a reputable LFS in your area that is trusted.

It took me quite a while before stocking my tank originally, then as adding fish, still longer.

Here in San Diego (6th largest city in the USA), there are only two LFS's that I will buy livestock & plants from. I've seen too many people I know check out a new LFS & buy something and within 12 hours, their entire tank was dead.

Buying from a reputable LFS will save you lots of headaches & potential diasasters.

When I get new critters, I transition from the bag water to my tank's water (in a big bowl or bucket) over an hour or so and they adjust quite well. it also lets me monitor their behavior & see if any just don't look right before I place them into the community.

Hope this helps!

-TetraFreak

 

[themadblimper]

Be carefull as to what chemicals you use w/ the kuhlis, they dont have scales. And as to a quarantine tank, I never bothered with one or had ich, ever. I have a U.V. sterilizer that purifies the water so I dont have to risk other fish getting infected.

 

[ddayton21]

I buy my fish on tuesday; the day before the new shipments arrive. theoretically, The fish in the tanks tuesday have been there at least 6 days. That gives some time for any signs of illness to develop. (not much but a little)