Quarantine 101

[TippyToeX]

Well I haven’t received any new fish in a long time so it’s been awhile since I have needed to set up my quarantine tank. I am getting ready to welcome a pair of Percula clownfish today and I needed to be ready. They wild caught and I am anticipating disease (not to say that captive breed can’t have disease). I thought I’d document what I will be doing for them and how I go about quarantining my fish. For as much as Anthony speaks of the need to quarantine I thought it would be a good idea to have such a thread in here with his (and many others) input!

So I thought my 17 gallon acrylic tank would do the trick. It’s the right size for the fish I want to QT as they are both under 2”. It’s pretty basic. I use to use this tank as sump many years ago (you can see the hole in the right side for the return pump, and how beat up it is) but have it sealed up to use as my QT tank. It was a cheap and fitting idea. People don’t need to go out a buy a brand new fancy tank. I’ve seen quarantine tanks using a Rubbermaid tub and it was excellent! I lined the back and sides black, leaving only the front open for viewing. I also covered the top with eggcrate to keep any jumpers in place

Equipment list:
17 gallon tank
Heater
HOB (hang on back) filter
Small powerhead and or air pump (I’m using the air pump this time)
PVC for hiding
Tank cover (eggcrate)
Thermometer
Test kits
Medications (think ahead!)
Ammonia lock and Ammonia badge (to let me know if things get out of hand)
Refractometer


I don’t use any lighting right now. This is in a dimly lit room and the tank will only really get ambient room light and a little sun light from a near by window. Later on I will add some lights, but for now I don’t bother. I think it helps keep the fish calm to have a dimly lit tank. The PVC is for the fish to have a place to hide and escape to. No live rock and no sand! It is likely that I will treat this tank with some sort of medication so I am not out to destroy good rock or sand.

The hang on back filter has a sponge in it, which had been in my main tank for a good 5 days. The tank is filled with salt water from my main display. SG 1.025, pH 8.3. Temp at 81 degrees. I will be doing frequent water changes to keep the water quality nice and high. As well as siphoning out food and waste at the end of the day to help make my water quality upkeep easy. The ammonia lock is in case of emergency and the ammonia badge lets me know if anything is getting out of hand. I also have 10 gallons of aged salt water ready at all times in case I need to do a big water change.

Here are some links about a basic setup that will prove helpful.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/sp/feature/index.php)

QT Procedures for Clownfish (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=288805)

OK, some pics! Forgive the poor quality. I was wrestling a puppy the whole time trying to take them.

Pretty simple, nice area to slide this tank (it’s in a guest bathroom that gets no use).
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3B9523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B57%3C%3B8735ot1lsi

You can see the HOB filter in this one. Pardon the puppy, he is a camera whore. :D
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3B9523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B57%3C%3B8737ot1lsi

Places to hide! Also that bowl is pretty nifty for clowns, that or a clay pot. They love to swish around in there.
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3B9523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B57%3C%3B8739ot1lsi

The ammonia alert and you might make out the bubbler in the background. I am using the bubbles because it is better at keeping the pH up. This room can get stuffy so it really does need it. Also, you can see the hash mark for the water level. So I know when it's time to top off with RO/DI water.
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3B9523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3B8%3E%3A72%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3C48%3B%3C782%3Bnu0mrj

As of now this QT has been up and running for three days. :)

[TippyToeX]

Now I am waiting for the clowns to get here. There should be here before noon I hope. :) I’ll go over how I like to acclimate them, as well as how I give a formalin bath prior to release into QT. Clownfish often come in with brooklynellosis (http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/brooklynella.html) and that must be addressed.

As well as other medications, dropping the salinity of the water, feedings, and how long I intend to keep them in QT.

[TippyToeX]

Woohoo! They both just arrived and are alive and kicking. :D

They were washed out gray and pale orange but once the air stone got in and they warmed up some the color came right back!

Here is the first one in it's little breeder box.

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3C6723232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3B8%3E%3A72%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3C49276%3C36nu0mrj

He/she and his/her pal :p are being acclimated right now. The bag water was 77 degrees, pH was 7.9, 1.022. Not too bad. Over the next hour I will get them use to the new parameters. I am going to drop the QT tank salinity to 1.022.

Then it's bath time! More on that soon to come.

[NicoleC]

What a gorgeous perc!

So... are you going to do hypo with these guys?

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Nicole! :)

Glad to see you here because I know you have a lot of knowledge on fish disease and treatment. I'd really appreciate your input.

Indeed, I am going to go with hypo treatment for them. I've always heard/read that the use of copper will rule out of at the least diminish the case of fertile spawning in the future.

[Nagel]

Nice coloration! Very black and a bright orange to boot..

I agree, copper is bad.. Clowns are very intolerant of copper and while I cant offer a definitive yes / no to the infertility bit, I have read some statements to that effect as well...

The dim lighting IS good, my Q tank only receives overflow light from my other tanks.. Definately lowers their stress level I believe.

Question for ya... Did you seed the filter by letting it run on your main tank for a little bit? I always have an air driven sponge filter sitting in the sump here to keep it seeded. When I need it, I pull it out and pop it in the Q tank. I then put a new one in the sump in case I end up medicating the one in the Q tank...

ps. I fixed your link above also..

Looking good!

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Erik, and I appreciate the link fix.

Yep, the sponge for the HOB filter was in my main tanks sump for a good 5 days. Well seeded. :) Steven Pro taught me that one from his article.

Little guys are in their formalin bath right now. Nice blue-green water to swim around in. You have to watch them closely so that they don't stress out or lay at the bottom. Formalin can drop the pH of the water drastically! So the air stone is a must when treating with this.

Always go per the manufacturers suggestion for this treatment. I'll snap a picture of the other clown in it's bath in a little bit. They are both doing very well. This is to treat for brooklynellosis, aka the clownfish disease. A fast and effective killer if left to it's own devices.

[TippyToeX]

Here is a not so good pic of the other (smaller) perc. You can't tell but he is in his bath right now.

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B9%3C%3A323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3B8%3E%3A72%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3C492%3C9758nu0mrj

[NicoleC]

Glad to see you here because I know you have a lot of knowledge on fish disease and treatment. I'd really appreciate your input.

Only the stuff learned the hard way :rolleye1:

I agree not to do the copper. Hypo should be very effective and clowns tolerate it well. The formalin bath is much harder on them than hypo will be.

You also want to deworm them, but I would get them eating first.

Mama looks a little portly in that first photo -- is she?

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC

Only the stuff learned the hard way :rolleye1:

I think that is how most of us learn when we first start off. That's a big part of why it's so good to help on BB like RC. We can make sure no one else has to deal with what we had to deal with.

Mama looks a little portly in that first photo -- is she?

She does have a bit of a round belly. I have pipzine ready for a dewormer. Lord knows what she might have a belly full of. I hope to see them eat later this evening. Keeping fingers crossed. :)

[NicoleC]

Might be eggs, not worms. At least from the photo, the bulge looks farther back, like where eggs would be. I guess you will find out soon!

[Bugger]

I've read that covering the tank walls can reduce stress. Can you treat Broklynitis with the hypotreatment.

[NicoleC]

It's unlikely hypo would work, but even if it *would* work, the fish would be dead before the hypo killed off the protazoa that causes brook.

Formalin is the only treatment for brook that I know of. Formalin itself is pretty rough on a fish, but with WC clowns it's a wish precaution.

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
Might be eggs, not worms. At least from the photo, the bulge looks farther back, like where eggs would be. I guess you will find out soon!

I'll have to keep my eye out! :) That would be pretty incredible if so.

Originally posted by Bugger
I've read that covering the tank walls can reduce stress. Can you treat Broklynitis with the hypotreatment.

I agree with Nicole. Even if hypo could treat the brook, the clown would be long gone. It really is a very quick disease. More info if anyone would care to read more.

"Clownfish Disease" (and other's), Brooklynellosis (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brooklynellosisart.htm)

Also, more about Formalin. Not something you would use without caution.

Formalin/Formaldehyde... A Toxic, Dangerous Biocide (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/formalinart.htm)

Update on the clowns. :D They both ate a little! I soaked some mysis in selcon. They came out from their yellow bowl (they have hung out there most of the day) and both had a few bites. I was so happy!

I need to learn how to photograph fish. I haven't the faintest idea. Off to the photo foum!

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B%3A55523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B585%3B8653ot1lsi

[NicoleC]

That's excellent news. Taking to frozen food on the first day they arrived at your house... well, I think you will have no problems with them. Even if they are sick with something, keeping them eating is 9/10 of the battle.

Did you get these guys fresh caught, or have they been holding somewhere? Is it an Inland Aquatics pair?

[Dlckwood]

Originally posted by TippyToeX
I've always heard/read that the use of copper will rule out of at the least diminish the case of fertile spawning in the future.

Im sure this is a myth! While im fairly sure it is not the best way to go, if you are more comfortible using copper you should. I put my spawning pair through copper when I got them because I was less experianced and thats what they had at the LFS. If copper makes them infertile I have no idea whats getting the job done.

I really like the looks of your clowns! All the best luck with them and I hope I see questions from you in the breeding forum soon.
David

[CodeToad]

Great looking clowns there Amy!!!

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
Did you get these guys fresh caught, or have they been holding somewhere? Is it an Inland Aquatics pair?

I was shocked to see them take frozen food so readily. I just hope it keeps up! Tomorrow I will tempt them with cyclopeeze.

The pair as far as I know are fresh caught. I will have to ask my friend who got them for me for more details. He told me to be ready because they will be in rough shape. Not from IA (I am gunning for caps from Morgan). They are out of a wholesaler in LA as far as I know. Whom I am not sure.

Originally posted by Dlckwood
Im sure this is a myth! While im fairly sure it is not the best way to go, if you are more comfortible using copper you should. I put my spawning pair through copper when I got them because I was less experianced and thats what they had at the LFS. If copper makes them infertile I have no idea whats getting the job done.

Good to hear! I don't think I would like the idea of using copper unless ick just broke out like wild and I had little choice. I am hoping the hypo for a good 6 or 8 weeks will do the trick.


I really like the looks of your clowns! All the best luck with them and I hope I see questions from you in the breeding forum soon.

Thanks! I dearly hope to be doing just that one day soon. :)

Originally posted by CodeToad
Great looking clowns there Amy!!!

Thanks Mattmeister! :D

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

Congrats on your new pair!

Nice pics - especially the one with Odie - he is growing!

Good job with the QT! One suggestion for your clowns - especially since they probably are still feeling the effects of shipping, wholesaler, etc and are really prone to infections/ parasites. I would add beta glucan to their diet at least daily. This will boost their immune systems and help them fight off opportunistic bacteria and parasites. I have used this for a couple of years now & have had good luck with it.

Also make sure you monitor the pH daily as it tends to drop while using hyposalinity.

Best of luck with your new pair.

Kelly

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

Forgot to post the link for beta glucan:

http://www.marineaquariumadvice.com/beta_glucan_biological_defense_modulator.html

Best of luck!

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Kelly! I have a wonderful pic of Odie I'm going to email you later. You will crack up. :D He is growing like a weed. From 10 pounds when I first got him after MACNA to 22 pounds right now.

That is a perfect article, thanks for the link! I know both you and Anthony have mentioned the use of beta glucan in the past. It slipped my mind to ask for more details. I'll head off to the store and get some tablets. So you sprinkle it fairly liberally? Or does a little go a long way?

Thanks for the help!

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

I wouldn't get too hung up with the exact dose, but overdosing will not hurt but does not add any more protection or boost in the immune system. A little does go a long way.

Yes, I converted Anthony to being a beta glucan user after his Christmas present arrived with a horrible case of lymphocystis.

Beta glucan comes in both tablets (mortar & pestle are great kitchen items to have) & capsules (when you are in a hurry, just open & sprinkle).

Can't wait to see the pics.

Best of luck to your new pair of clowns and of course a big hug to Odie.

Kelly

[NicoleC]

Interesting article; beta glucan might be a worthwhile addition to the fish food recipe.

Come to think on it, we have a severe strain of K9 flu going around, and my old pooch is unlikely to survive if he catches it. Might be good for him, too!

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by Puffer Queen
I wouldn't get too hung up with the exact dose, but overdosing will not hurt but does not add any more protection or boost in the immune system. A little does go a long way.

Good to know. I'l see about getting some tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the pair take to it and gain even more strength. :)

[TippyToeX]

Here they are (working on names) in their bowl after a feast of cyclopeeze. They are little pigs! :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/17gQTpairinbowl002copy.jpg

[Nagel]

I say name them Venus and Mars ;)

[NicoleC]

They look like Fred and Ginger to me. ;)

[Nagel]

Even better! Cold Pizza and 7-up!

Now THATS original!

BTW
my pair of ocellaris is Cat & Dog
my pair of GSM's are Big Mamma & Little Boy
my pair of WSM's are Lancelot & Guinevere
my pair of Clarkii's are Lady & Tramp
my pair of Black Ocellaris are Bonnie & Clyde
my pair of Orange Tomato's are Antony & Cleopatra
My pair of Red Tomato's are Tristan & Isolde
My pair of Black Saddlebacks are Zeus & Ganymede

YEAH, I name MY fish too :p

[Puffer Queen]

Nicole,

I have used beta glucan on myself as well as one of my dogs that had a large abcess that after 2 + weeks of high power antibiotics was still not resolved. My vet was contemplating starting intravenous antibiotics. So I started beta glucan - within 48 hours, swelling decreased drastically and abcess was GONE within 5 days!

Ocean Rider has now added beta glucan to their Vibrance & Vibrance II food additives.

Beta glucan has been used for years in Europe & is just "catching on" in the US.

Kelly

[NicoleC]

LOL. I guess we're all a little wierd about our fish!

My clowns are Janice and Jimi
The YWG's are Courtney and Gobiwon
The shrimp are Pete and Patti
The bicolor is Buddy
The scooter is Ella
And the assessors are just the Stooges

[Nagel]

Originally posted by NicoleC

And the assessors are just the Stooges

I'm gonna have to steal that! I have a trio of blue assessors! The Three Stooges!

I like that! LOL

[NicoleC]

I have 4... so I guess I have Shemp, too :)

[melev]

Great thread. You mentioned hyposalinity a bunch, but no-one has stated the specific gravity. Are you going to bring it down to 1.009 sg and then for how long will you maintain that?

I totally forgot about beta glucin, and I've got a bottle full of capsules. Nicole & Kelly, what would you think about adding that to my recipe for regular feedings? Or is this something you add only when the fish are less than perfectly healthy? I'd hate to use it and they build up a tolerance or immunity to it so that it doesn't help later when a problem occurs.

[melev]

Amy, to photograph fish, increase your ISO. I shoot at 400 or 800. Using the flash in Auto mode will give you crisp shots but the color of the fish and tank will look different than you are used to.

If you don't want to shoot in Auto mode, then do this: Put the camera in Auto, and point the camera at the area you want to photograph. Look at the readings the camera has selected. F/stop and shutterspeed are displayed. Now you have some numbers to start from, switch to Shutter Priority, and set the camera's shutterspeed to the same number. In this area, I use trial and error, shooting shot after shot and watching the results to see if the image is too bright or too dark. Once I find the happy medium, then I can start focusing on what I really want to take. Gotta love a digital camera as there is no waste and you see immediate results.

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by melev
Great thread. You mentioned hyposalinity a bunch, but no-one has stated the specific gravity. Are you going to bring it down to 1.009 sg and then for how long will you maintain that?


Yep, 1.009 is what I will bring it down to. I'll keep it there for a good 6 weeks.

Right now the tank is at 1.018. I'll keep bringing it down in the next two days. So far so good. They are eating and swimming around in their bowl. My pH probe is in at is holding steady at 8.2.

I was able to get some beta glucin this afternoon at the health food store. I'll add it to their nightly mysis meal. They took to flak food today (shocked yet again)! The male ate it like it was going out of style. The female would take a bite, spit it out, try again and swallow. The flake food had garlic added to it.

The only issue I see thus far is that the male has shredded fins. I'm assuming shipping stress. I'll keep my eyes on that. I'll also try to get a picture of it to show everyone.

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by melev
Amy, to photograph fish, increase your ISO. I shoot at 400 or 800. Using the flash in Auto mode will give you crisp shots but the color of the fish and tank will look different than you are used to.

Sweet! Thanks Marc :D I'll do that this evening. I want to show the males fins. It's also great to take these photos because oddly enough you can see more in the photos then you can by looking at the fish in the tank.

[melev]

I have no doubt. With your carpet shark licking your ear, it must be tough observing those fish. You get all distracted and .... wet. :D

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by melev
I have no doubt. With your carpet shark licking your ear, it must be tough observing those fish. You get all distracted and .... wet. :D

ROFL! :lol:

I'll have you know my little carpet shark is now losing his baby teeth. Maybe the next set will be dull? I'd take the licks over the bites. :D

[NicoleC]

Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but I would bring the salinity down slower than just two days.

Still, going UP is the more stressful change. I wouldn't do that more than .001 or .002 per day.

It seems like male clownfishes are much more relaxed and open to change than the females.

[melev]

Why can I totally picture you with a odie-tooth necklace one day?

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
Still, going UP is the more stressful change. I wouldn't do that more than .001 or .002 per day.

That I can do. Better safe then sorry. :) They are doing so well, why mess with a good thing.

With Marc's help I got some better pictures taken. Some came out a little dull but I'll keep working on it.

Female
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B%3B%3A%3A323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B6298%3C677ot1lsi

Female again
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B%3B%3A%3A323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B6298%3C67%3Aot1lsi

Male
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B%3B%3A%3A323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B6298%3C682ot1lsi

Male again
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3B%3B%3A%3A323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B62995792ot1lsi

[melev]

They look good to me. Are you in Macro mode, or are you shooting from a distance with the zoom?

[Nagel]

Bah, I suggested the flash first!

Much better pics though, they look like the happy couple..

[NicoleC]

They look pretty good -- they will be a gorgeous pair when they are conditioned!

Maybe it was the female was picking on the male and shredding his fins due to stress?

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by melev
They look good to me. Are you in Macro mode, or are you shooting from a distance with the zoom?

Thos were taken in macro mode. I got as close to the acrylic as I could without freaking them out. :) Good?

Originally posted by NicoleC
Maybe it was the female was picking on the male and shredding his fins due to stress?

I think you are quite right. As I sat in front of the tank taking photos I could see they did not enjoy my company so close . Most of all the female. Who after a while chased the male out of the bowl with a nip.

I'll need to keep my distance and let them adjust.

[melev]

Yes, they are just fine. It is tricky getting pictures of fish. In this specific application, it is easier for the camera to focus on the lip of that bowl. To get the fish to look sharp even though they are in the background a little, you'd have to lower the f/stop from 2.8 to 5.6 or even 7. (I'd normally say raise it up, but someone will correct me.) The reason is you are increasing the depth of field so that more is in focus than just the lip of the bowl.

If I find my fish are too bright, I'll back up a couple of feet or lower the intensity of the flash (internal camera setting). But like I said, your pictures looked good to me.

In my thread, you can see a picture of the Copperband butterfly I took this evening. No flash, hand-held in macro mode. It wasn't an ideal (perpendicular) angle but it came out okay.

[scuglass]

good thread ill be following along

[kwl1763]

Nice Amy,

I have to agree I totally agree with hypo as a preventative. For every fish I buy it goes into hypo for 4 weeks no matter what!

Sure way to prevent introducing ICH. I have never lost a fish in my hypo quarentine period. I have had some die real quick after introduction before I started hypo but not after.

I get them eating and observe closely for any signs of brook, worms etc for about a week at full salinity then lower it over 3-4 days, 1.009 for 4 weeks then back up over the next week. It's like a six week process but I have had great success with it even on difficult fish like powder blues and the like!

[TippyToeX]

Thanks again for the camera help Marc. I hope to take some more photos tomorrow. :)

Thanks scuglass & Keith.

Keith, that is great to hear that you are so faithful to QTing your fish. :thumbsup: It really is the best thing we can do for them after what they go through.

[scuglass]

when bringing the salinity back to normal after the 4 weeks of hypo how do u go about doing this? adding higher salt content water ? also during this 6 month period is there a light on or arround the tank? may bee a nightlight

[NicoleC]

There are some calculations for raising and lowering salinity for the purposes of hypo here:
http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/hyposalinity.html

Basically, you do water changes with normal salinity water.

Hypo is 6 weeks, not 6 months. Ambient daytime room light will be fine, but a low wattage light on a timer will be even better. Some fish are very sensitive to the diurnal cycle, and steady "sunrise" and "sunset" times will help reduce stress.

For some fish (like clowns), a small "moonlight" will be helpful so they don't get so startled at the sudden change in light when the lights go on/off. A single blue LED or a small blue nightlight will be perfect for this purpose. The brighter the daylight, the more important this is. If the tank is near a window and getting a natural gradual light cycle, a moonlight is not really required at all.

[djian]

Great thread thus far. Even the picture talk makes me want to go get a pimp camera. I havent used a quarentine yet, but after reading I cant place another animal into the tank without it.

Thanks and I cant wait to read more.
Ian

[TippyToeX]

scuglass - Nicole explained it all perfectly. For this tank, because the room is not used I opted for no light at all. It gets a nice amount of soft evening sunlight. I don't go in there after dark so there is no light flipped on or off. In about two weeks I'll go ahead and out a light above it as well as an LED moon light. To get them use to the display tanks schedule.

djian - Thanks! Really the QT system is such a smart idea. You have the time to be assured of their health and that they are eating well. You can fatten them up so they are nice and strong to be introduced into the display.

I think QT has a bad reputation for some people. They see it as overly sterile and unwelcoming to their fish. It couldn't be further from the truth. It's peaceful, they are without competition. They have all the food and medical care they need. It's a kinder fate after what they have been through (collection, shipping, wholesaler, shipping, LFS, shipping again).

Go to the Photography Forum (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=118) too for some camera ideas. There are some serious eye candy threads too. :D

[TippyToeX]

A few new pictures from this afternoon. :) They are doing really well. I did a water change last night and they didn't even move from their bowl. They just peeked out and looked and didn't mind beyond that.

Now when I get close to the tank the come up to greet me! Amy = breakfast, lunch, and dinner! :lol: They are eating like champs too. Every kind of frozen food I have put in there they take. I alternate daily. In the mornings the food might be soaked in garlic or Selcon. At nights it's beta glucan. They take all kinds of flake food too. The only thing they have rejected thus far it pellet food.

I have the salinity at 1.13 right now. Just a little more to go. Then they can park it there.

Tomorrow they have been in QT for one week.

Female, Lucy
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C559523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B7282%3A364ot1lsi

Lucy & Charlie (male)
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C559523232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3B8%3E%3A72%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3C63739457nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C559523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B7282%3A365ot1lsi

In the last shot you can see how Charlie's fins are much improved!

[melev]

Very nice. You're doing a great job so far. :)

[NicoleC]

Wow. She is one beautiful babe now, and she's bound to get prettier as she settles in and gets a lot of regular meals.

Clowns are such a joy to have; they have looks and personality.

Love the names. Perfect! :)

[djian]

Is there any info on QTing corals? Some members in my local reef club ended up with red bugs from another reefer that didnt know they had them and now struggle constitanly to rid of them.
Ian

[TippyToeX]

djian, here is a good article by Steven Pro about how to QT anything. Fish, corals, rock, sand, etc. :)

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/sp/feature/index.php)

[andyjd]

fantastic looking fish, and an excellent thread

[scuglass]

i know this is a little off topic but is it possibe to qt a fish shuch as a blue tang(small) in a smalll qt tank or would this strees the fish?

[Puffer Queen]

When you say "small" - how many inches? What size tank were you considering?

Kelly

[scuglass]

1-2 inch blue tang in a 20 gal?

[NicoleC]

IMO, a 30g would be better -- these tiny tangs are very susceptible to losses -- but a 20g will be acceptable for a fish that size (even a tang) for the amount of time involved, and is highly preferrable to introducing the fish without QT.

[scuglass]

so i would be better off with a 30 gal for a qt for my 75 gal but it is unnesssecary to qt a tang?

[Puffer Queen]

Scuglass,

Absolutely quarantine the tang - ALL fish.....anything wet (crabs, hermits, macroalgae, corals, etc) needs to be quarantined.

A 20 gallon for a 1-2 inch tang would be adequate for a QT. If you have a choice 20H versus 20L - pick the 20L as this would give the tang more horizontal room to swim.

Best of luck,
Kelly

[Dudester]

Amy (and everyone else), nice thread so far. A few questions, please.

Since this is a "101" course, do you mind commenting on exactly how much volume you're using for your water changes, and how often are you doing it?

Do you intend to clean out the sponge in your HOB filter during the six week quarantine period?

Thanks in advance.

[NicoleC]

In the process of going into and coming out of hypo, you are going to do water changes daily. Otherwise, this is a judgement call based on the bioload and filtering capacity of the QT. You want to keep water quality very high, while minimized stress on the animals from sticking things in the tank to do the changes.

If the tank and filter are established, there's no reason to do really frequent water changes, but you want to keep an eye on parameters so you can intervene if needed.

If treating for ick, siphoning the bottom of the tank daily is highly recommended. That ends up being a 1/2 gallon change per day.

I like to do 10-20% water changes weekly in QT to help maintain high water quality, and rinsing out the filter sponge weekly or more (as needed) in discarded tank water. Since I feed heavily while in QT, I also like to do quick daily siphoning of the bottom whenever the stress levels of the fish permit.

[NicoleC]

P.S. I also run carbon in QT unless it's contraindicated by any medications, and change the carbon weekly.

[TippyToeX]

Nicole said it best. I'll just add what I've done for these two thus far.

Originally posted by Dudester
Since this is a "101" course, do you mind commenting on exactly how much volume you're using for your water changes, and how often are you doing it?

So far I've done anywhere from 1/2 a gallon to a full gallon a day water change. At the end of the day I'll syphon out any waste or uneaten food. Easy as pie, I use ridge small diameter hose (connected to flexible) to get into all the nooks and into their silly little bowl. The salinity of the freshly mixed saltwater I use for the changes lowers and lowers as the days pass. Right now I am at the level I want, 1.009. I started off at 1.022 and it's taken a little over a week (9 days really) to get down to the hypo SG I need. That might seem over cautious but they are doing well so I don't mind.

At this point they get to go 6 weeks before I slowly bring it up to my main tanks 1.025

Do you intend to clean out the sponge in your HOB filter during the six week quarantine period?

No, I'll toss it away. They are cheap enough to replace so I don't bother with sterilizing it after I use it. I know some people don't mind cleaning it out, but it's not for me. :)

[TippyToeX]

Update on Charlie:

His fins look worse this morning. :( Lucy might have kicked up a fit at him, I'm not sure. When I observe them they seem to do very well together. Charlie will show he is submissive (that sideways shake they are known for), I've seen him do so a few times. The only times I've seen Lucy nip at him has been when I have fed, and they go for the same bite. Or when I am in front of the tank too long, I think I unnerve her and she tests testy so she will take it out on him.

I'll snap a picture in a little bit.

[NicoleC]

If he is doing the shake, it could indicate maybe they aren't a totally mature pair yet? Or maybe the stress of capture and shipment has weakened their bond so that he feels the need to keep telling her she's boss?

I think you may be right that his fins are the worse for wear because of her, that is, if you don't see any signs of infection on his fins.

[TippyToeX]

I would guess it is the stress of shipment that has weakened them. I really do not know for sure, but it seems/sounds right by watching them. Now that they are getting strong again and fattened up, maybe there is a need to reestablish the relationship.

Here is a super bad picture. Acrylic wasn't clean and he was moving all over the place. Lucy was ticked off with the flash and getting aggravated.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/Fins055copyx2.jpg

No signs of infection, but that's a good chunk missing.

[NicoleC]

It does look like she did it.

"Yes, honey! Anything you say, darling!"

[TippyToeX]

:lol: Poor little guy.

I'll keep an eye on those fins to be sure it heals well.

[scuglass]

another question in one of the articles it metions quarinting live rock. what would u look for during this quartine period? anyprocedures to do ? is the 6 weeks necessary? all i can think of is looking out for hitchhikers? same with corals?

[TippyToeX]

You would look for any unwanted life.

Aiptasia, Majonos, flatworms, hydroids, unwanted macro or micro algae (caulerpa being an example), unknown and untrustworthy hitchhikers crabs, snails, worms, isopods, mantis shrimp, etc. More then that too. It's worth the time an effort. So that if you see something in there you can take care of it right away.

Corals there are all kinds of hitchhikers and possible problem. Nudies, red bugs (sps), flatworms again. Another good reason to QT corals is that you can treat them quickly for any infectious problems (RTN, STN, brown jelly, etc) and not spread anything to other corals putting their life in jeopardy.

[Puffer Queen]

When I quarantine live rock, I place a piece of lighting crate on top of a couple pvc couplings. I then place the rock on the lighting crate. You'd be amazed how much unwanted stuff will fall under the crate where you can easily syphon them away. On live rock I quarantine for 6-8 weeks. Fish a mandatory 8+ weeks....but then again, I've been told that I am obsessive compulsive :)

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

Charlie's fin as of tonight. The top looks wonderful! It was shredded when he first got here. They healed up quick. Now I just need to wait for the bottom to heal.

I'm sure everyone is getting tired of the same ol yellow bowl pictures. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/Fins074copy.jpg

You can also see he has been eating well. :D Normal feces so I don't think he has a belly full of worms.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/Fins071copy.jpg

And I had to add one of Lucy :p

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/Fins075copy.jpg

[NicoleC]

Again, I am struck by what a gorgeous fish she is, although I sense Charlie is your favorite. ;)

Are you planning to raise babies from this pair?

[TippyToeX]

:D Yea, I think he is. A little scrapper. Dealing with a miffed female. You have to cheer him on.

I dearly hope they spawn one day. I'd love to raise the fry.

[NicoleC]

At the rate they are chowing down, you may have babies sooner than you think. Then you can come visit us in the Fish Breeding forum and geek out on air pumps, the arcane art of understand mesh sizes and taking pictures through a microscope. :D

[melev]

Nicole, wanna talk to me about sea horse fry? I have some that I just got a few hours ago, and posted about it in the Seahorse forum. Sounds like you might have some insight.

Amy, post pictures of that bowl all day long. Your pictures are excellent, and the fish are gorgeous.

[NicoleC]

I don't think I know anything about seahorse fry -- I'm flying by the seat of my pants with my YWG's! (And shocked they are still alive!)

You might also try the forums at seahorse.org, and they have some breeding articles on the site as well. I think methods depend a lot of the species, form what I have read.

[melev]

YWG? Sorry, don't know that one. Yellow Watchman Goby?

And I'm reading those articles now.

[NicoleC]

Yes, yellow watchman gobies.

My parents:
<-------------------

My adorable little swimming headaches:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/nicolecastle/ywg/day2.jpg

[melev]

So you just turn the water yellow so they fish will grow up to be that color? :lol:

[NicoleC]

:rolleye1:

Apparently there ARE issues with getting them bright yellow, but that's a problem for a few months hence. I'll keep your suggestion in mind, though :D

[TippyToeX]

Wow! That's incredible Nicole. :D Look at those cute little babies. Best of luck with them. They are in great hands.

Marc, I think Kelly is the person to ask about seahorse fry. :)

[scuglass]

i am going to be picking up 120 pounds of lr from a local refer in a few days will it be posssible to qt in the display tank. with the egg crate. and just wait until the tank is cycled??

[NicoleC]

New tank with nothing in it? If so, yes. Allowing the rock to mature for at least 2 months post cycle will also be a great start for your reef.

[scuglass]

so u are saying after the cycle has pased just contine doing regualr water changes but dont add ne thing for 2 months?
what about a clean up crew? would this be a good time to begin the quarantine process for a couple of clowns? so i can add them at around the 2 month post cycle period?

thanks for all the help and sorry bout all the questions

[NicoleC]

so u are saying after the cycle has pased just contine doing regualr water changes but dont add ne thing for 2 months?
Yes.


what about a clean up crew?
You can add inverts and other cleanup crew items post cycle, but your QT period will not start until the LAST item is added.

would this be a good time to begin the quarantine process for a couple of clowns? so i can add them at around the 2 month post cycle period?
After that QT period, your display should be clean of pathogens, and good QT procedures will go a long way to keeping it that way. Your fish should be QT'd outside of the display tank in a separate tank.

You can start the clowns in the separate QT as soon as you want, just don't add them to the display until the display has been fully QT'd. If you go that route, then yes, you can add them to the display at the 2 month mark, provided the clowns have been compeltely through their own 4-6 week QT.

[TippyToeX]

Charlie snuggling up to Lucy (pardon the saltcreep)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LTACL011copy.jpg

A new Macrodactyla doreensis I just got this morning. I hope in the next month it will settle in and eat well. Perhaps the new home to clowns if they take to it. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LTACL007copy.jpg

[NicoleC]

Nice looking LTA.

Is Lucy being nicer to Charlie, yet?

[TippyToeX]

Yes it seems so. I think a lot of that has to do with me. I've been staying away from the tank a lot in the past 3 or more days. I just go in there to feed them and I do a quick job of that.

They do come up top greet me (well, more their meal then me) when I walk into the room. If I stay more then 5 minutes, I can see that it makes Lucy uneasy. She will chase Charlie away, even nip at him.

I'm not quite sure what to do to get her use to my observing them.

[NicoleC]

I assume you're doing all the normal stuff, like wearing subdued clothing, and sticking to a closely timed routine?

You might try wearing the same shirt when you approach the tank (to help with recognition). Maybe try taming them to hand feed as time permits in your 5 minute sessions?

I think you are right to leave as soon as she gets agitated. I don't know if it works for fish, but with dogs and cats to desensitize them, the goal is to stop *just before* they get upset.

If that doesn't help, perhaps when they move out in the display tank, they will get a chance to get used to human activity around them from a safer distance.

[melev]

What a beautiful LTA. I love that color!!!!

[Nagel]

Looks like ya god a good LTA this time!

Congrats and good luck with it!

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
I assume you're doing all the normal stuff, like wearing subdued clothing, and sticking to a closely timed routine?

Very much so. I'm rather OCD myself and have every tank on a schedule. They eat at the same time each day, and the tank is siphoned clean at the same time.

Maybe try taming them to hand feed as time permits in your 5 minute sessions?

Good idea. I'll start trying that out. I remember reading that hand feeding can (in some cases) can lower their aggression too.

Erik & Marc - Thanks! :D I'm super pleased. I just hope it buries it's foot some time tonight. Once it has done that I can see if it will accept a meal. Keep your fingers crossed for it.

[TippyToeX]

Well this is officially week number two. QT is at 1.009, temp 82*, pH is holding strong at 8.2. Water changes are pretty much daily, depending on how much waste is there and if there was any uneaten food.

Both clowns are eating twice a day, all kinds of meaty frozen foods for the most part. Krill, mysis, BBS, cyclopeeze, some chopped up raw seafood I got at the market (squid, scallops, shrimp). They also get formula one and two. In the mornings I soak the food in either Selcon or garlic. For the night time meal I took Kelly's (pufferqueen) advice and use beta glucan.

Now I want them to get use to light. They have been very hardy to this point, so I thought I would see how they would react. It looks bright in the pictures, but it's not so bad. :)

http://images.snapfish.com/3453236323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B86829434ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/3453236323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B86829435ot1lsi

[djian]

What is the time schedule on the light?

[TippyToeX]

Eight hour day like the main tank they will go into. 10am to 6pm. :)

[NicoleC]

Random thought:

If your floor is cool to the touch, placing a piece of foam under it will help keep temperature stable and heating costs down. You can get sturdy foam in the insulation section of your local big home improvement store.

[NicoleC]

PS - Don't rest a glass tank on foam, unless you have enough foam to fit all the way past the edges. If it's just on the inside of the edge, it will stress the tank and you may get leaks.

[melev]

Amy, do you still use that bathtub? You could be in for the <b>shock</b> of your life. :eek2: ;)

[djian]

What are your thoughts on QTing a Fish, moving it from an established tank to another? No signs of disease from the previous owner. Paramiters are roughly the same, just two diffent tanks and a 15 min drive.

[NicoleC]

I would QT anyway. Just because a fish doesn't show signs of a disease doesn't mean it can't carry it into your tank. For example, most clowns are extremely resistant to ick and may not show outward symptoms, but tangs and most blennies are very susceptible to it.

[TippyToeX]

Charlie's fin is healing up well. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LucyCharlieQTw2013copy.jpg

This didn't come out as well as I had hoped, but it's still cute.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LucyCharlieQTw2017copy.jpg

[TippyToeX]

Kind of gross, but it does prove a point. This is just two days of waste. Ewww.. Goes to show you that frequent water changes, even with good filtration is worth the time. :)

http://images.snapfish.com/34534%3B%3A723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A9%3D%3B63%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B94426596ot1lsi

[NicoleC]

Amy:
Good to see Charlie doing so well. Is Lucy getting a little more relaxed around you, or are you staying away?

Any newbies tagging along:
Lucy and Charlie's QT is going very well. While it's true that this looks like a healthy pair of fish to begin with, the precautionary measures Amy took snipped a lot of potential issues in the bud with a minimum of stress to the fish involved.

A LOT less stress than the alternative. Being tossed in a small box with a bunch of other fish after being in bags and other temporary containers on and off for days or weeks, while you may be sick anyway -- has got to be a harrowing experience. A little time in a quiet spot with lots of good food would make ME happy under those circumstances!

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
Amy:
Good to see Charlie doing so well. Is Lucy getting a little more relaxed around you, or are you staying away?

She seems to be a little better with me. She is certainly treating Charlie better. I've been hand feeding them their morning meals and I do think that has helped the most. I have also been coming in and out of the room more often. Trying to get her use to a little foot traffic. Odie (my puppy) runs up to the tank and both clowns are completely unaffected by him. That has to be a good sign.

They are also perfectly happy with the new lighting situation. I think in two weeks I'l bring the light down further to give them time to adjust to a high intensity. The tank they are going into is lit with 175w MH.

I did a big water change on their tank this evening. All went well. They just stay in the safety of their bowl. :)

[NicoleC]

It's funny, isn't it? My gobies are the same way -- *I* feed them, but they run from me, even when they know I'm putting food in the tank.

Yet they totally ignore the giant furry black dog... ?!

[TippyToeX]

I know, it doesn't make any sense. Odie is so rambunctious and charges the tank, yet both clowns act like nothing is wrong. I know what puppy teeth can do, they should be afraid! :lol:

[NicoleC]

The fish don't know that Angus once knocked over a small fish tank and used one of the goldfish as a chew toy while laying on the sofa... in the other room.

Both were alive when I found them. I quickly ran tap water in their tank and threw them in, dog hair and all.

Amazingly, the goldfish that just lay on the table in a small puddle didn't survive. The one with gaping wounds with dog hair sticking out of him lived for years afterwards and I eventually adopted him out. Who knows, he may still be alive!

[djian]

What meds are you keeping readily available? I am looking into ordering some. I found formalin. What else do you recomend? I am probably getting a new fish this weekend and the QT is almost ready.

[TippyToeX]

Some of the items I have handy:
Formalin
Copper (do get a reliable test kit for this too)
Piperzine (I use PraziPro)
Methylene Blue
Epsom salt
Metronidazole


Have handy some garlic (if you have faith in it), selcon, and I am now a fan of the beta glucan that Kelly and Anthony recommend. Everything needed for fresh water dips and to get ready for a hypo treatment (refractometer).

Also have fresh activated carbon and water for a big change ready when needed.

[TippyToeX]

If you want more food for thought about garlic read the article in this months Reefkeeping by Steven Pro. :)

Garlic: What has been Studied Versus What has been Claimed (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/sp/index.php)

[NicoleC]

For me, I have:
Formalin
PraziPro (praziquantel)
Pipzine (piperazine citrate)
Maracyn (erythromycin)
Furan-2 (nitrofurazone, furazolidone and methylene blue)

Plus Lugol's iodine and Flatworm Exit for corals.

[scuglass]

do u use all these meds on all fish or only ones that present certain symptoms also where do u get formalin

[NicoleC]

Oh no, definately not. Formalin baths are good for clowns because of brook. (Kind of a dangerous med, but still highly recommended for WC clown).

Otherwise, a dewormer (Pipzine) and 4-6 weeks in hypo will clean up most fish. The PraziPro is for urgent or stubborn parasite removal (fish won't survive long enough for hypo to work or for worms that Pipzine doesn't take out). BUT -- it can kill anthias. That, I know from experience :( So I would approach PraziPro with caution until it gets a little more exposure in the marine fish industry.

Furan-2 or Maracyn or other antibiotics are for bacterial infections, and are the easiest drugs to find since they are in just about every PetSmart and Petco.

Copper for ick - but I personally don't care for it; too finicky and dangerous when hypo will work just as well.

Virus' (lymphocystis) you can't treat except with good conditions, of course; true fungus' are very rare in salt water fish.

Do go back through the thread -- generic prophylactic care has been discussed.

[djian]

Just to clear some things up...What should the bare-basic QT process be for all fish? I.e. You've got all the equipment, your QT is ready to go, but is there some that all fish should go thru?Hyposalinaty, formalin(for clowns), and of course, min of 4 weeks? Thanks :confused:

[NicoleC]

Yep, you got it, except that I would add a dewormer to the basic QT -- almost all WC fish have worms.

[djian]

Thank you!!...cant wait to see more pics TippyToeX

[TippyToeX]

Thanks for the info Nicole! :)

Well, today is a day I was rather dreading. I need to stick my hand in the tank (with gloves on mind you) to clean some algae up. The is a fine mist (now that the light has been up) on the acrylic and it's messing up my view of Charlie & Lucy. I have a water change on the books for tonight, so I think I will do it then. It should be best (I believe) to clean the glass after the lights have been out and the are resting.

Here are two pictures from this afternoon. :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LucyCharlieQTw2028copy.jpg

You can see the algae I am talking about on the acrylic in this pic.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LucyCharlieQTw2029copy.jpg

[NicoleC]

Think you can distract them with food while you do the quick cleaning?

[TippyToeX]

That's a good option. I'll see how they act when I feed them tonight. If they are really into their meal and not paying attention to me I might try a quick clean. :)

[djian]

I wished that worked with my clowns, they run(swim) for cover if anything but food enters the tank.

[NicoleC]

The other day I was cleaning the glass, doing a water change and even adding a thin layer of sand -- including around their host where they like to fan it away. Wondered why the clowns weren't checking me out like they usually do, then realized they were spawning the whole time. :eek: Sorry guys!

CB clowns are the best :)

Yet, they'll stop spawning for food. No wonder they are so fat.

[TippyToeX]

I hope to have some good pictures tomorrow. I cleaned the tank from top to bottom tonight. Got the little spattering of algae off the walls, cleaned up any spec of left over food or waste. Ran some fresh carbon and cleaned up the viewing panels.

About a 10 gallon water change in all. Not all at once though. I didn't want to stress the clowns out too much. I did as Nicole suggested and cleaned the walls of the tank while they ate their morning meal. They really could have cared less that my hand was in there. After that meal I did a 5 gallon water change. Cleaning any left over food up, and any floating algae bits that got dislodged.

Then I just finished another 5 gallon water change to pick up anything that had settled from the change early today. Added the fresh carbon, a new air stone and am pleased with how everything looks.

This is the half way point of the quarantine. 3 weeks in total. :)

[NicoleC]

Great! If out little orange pigs have full bellies, they seem to tolerate a lot. :) I look forward to seeing the new pics.

[TippyToeX]

They both had a huge appetite this morning. More then I have ever seen. I guess the water changes yesterday really perked them up. :D

Charlie didn't want his picture taken this morning. Every time I'd get him in focus he would swoop down into the bowl and I'd miss him. Lucy on the other hand was looking right at me. I'll try to get some more pictures later. I think the flash really upsets them after awhile.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/LCweek3011copy.jpg

[Spiffyguy]

Quick question. I am setting up my QT tank. Plan on 10 gallon with AC 50 filter and 50 watt heater. Also plan on just using normal NO strip light. Will out some black construction paper on the 3 sides to help seclude the tank.

The clowns I am looking at right now are from a local breeder. she said in about a month the clowns will be ready. So what sort of treatment should be down with captive breed clowns. I am guessing the should be fairly clean and healthy. Would I still need to to dips or a hypo treatment. Or just keep them in the QT tank for 4-6 weeks and get them aclimated to me :).

Also with the filter I plan on using the sponge in my main tank for about a week to get it good and bacteria filled. For water changes is it better to take water from the tank or use fresh salt?

Thanks.

[NicoleC]

Spiffyguy,

If you have a chance to the breeding setup and broodstock, you can judge for yourself. If the broodstock and babies are healthy and plump with no sign of illness, then (like most marine fish breeders) your chances of getting healthy stock are excellent. In that case, I would just isolate them for 4-6 weeks and use the time ot train them to hand feed, get used to you and your schedule, and watch for any signs of illness.

If you don't get to see the setup, I would probably assume the clowns are healthy and just isolate them. Do go see the setup if she permits; tanks full of baby clowns are SO cute :)

I would use water from the main tank -- it will also get them acclimated to your normal tank conditions.

[Spiffyguy]

Nicole thanks for the info. i am not sure I will get to see the place or not but from the sounds of it others in my local club have. I have seen the shots of tanks full of babies here on RC and they are certainly cute looking. I hope to maybe get there one day.

[TippyToeX]

Well, Lucy and Charlie have been with me now for a month! I'll post some recent pictures tomorrow. :) I just wanted to update and say that they are both doing really well. Eating like champs of course.

I hope my LTA keeps up it's recent behavior because as of today it stuck it's foot into the sand. I was concerned that it wouldn't do so in time for the clowns to be added. I just hope all stays this way. I know they don't need the anemone and would be just as happy with the orange bowl but still, I am hopeful for the three of them to work out.

[NicoleC]

I was just wondering how these little guys were doing. It's good to hear they are well and don't have much longer in QT.

The yellow bowl is too funny :) My clowns spent one (apparently) blissfully happy evening in a BTA... then went back to their frogspawn and haven't wandered since. I heard of one pair of clowns that hosted in a tea cup -- when I had to move mine into hypo I gave them coffee mugs and they seemed happy with those. Of course, my reef tank would look a little funny with red coffee mugs in it... but they really aren't that picky.

Truthfully, the bowl is rather nice -- it mimics the shape of an anemone a bit, and I wonder if that made them feel more comfortable at first?

[TippyToeX]

LOL I could see some clowns swishing around in a tea cup! Too cute. :) I guess it's a smooth surface just like how some breeders use terra cotta pots or tiles for breeding.

I agree, I think it mimics the shape of an anemone and is a safe feeling for them. I'm glad I was given the advice to add one to the QT tank.

Here are three pictures a friend took the other day. I love the last one the most. :D

Lucy
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_8233copy.jpg

Charlie - Fins looking so much better too!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_8256copy.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_8236copy.jpg

[NicoleC]

I see Charlie's fins are almost totally grown back. :)

[TippyToeX]

I am very happy to see how well and how quickly it has healed. :) I'm also happy that they seem to have the dominance issues worked out. I haven't see Charlie need to shake up to Lucy in a long time now. Lucy hasn't been picking at him either. I hope there is not too much of a reestablishment when they are placed into the display tank.

[melev]

I can't believe it has already been a month. They look great!

[NicoleC]

I always move them together, just in case. A big wide-mouth jar or one of those plastic convalescent homes is usually big enough to scoop them both up, especially if you do it at night when they are snoozing. You may be able to just cover the yellow bowl and pick them up in that. ;)

You could capture them at night to make it quick and easy, but I would not introduce them to the display in the dark. Too easy to get frighten and stumble into something unknown and hurt themselves.

But I think they have been through the worst, and a quick transfer won't be as traumatic as the capture, shipping, etc. they have been through. If they get fussy after being separated, it can't hurt to feed them their favorite food as soon as they go in the display to defuse tensions.

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by melev
I can't believe it has already been a month. They look great!

Thanks Marc! Time sure does fly. :)

Nicole- I was think of using the yellow bowl to transfer them just like you mentioned. :) I think that would be less traumatic and for the first few days I will just leave the bowl in the main display too. To boost their comfort level. Do it about midday before their meal. So they have some time to adjust to the water flow and new surroundings. Then give them a big meal and hope they take to the night well.

[Randall_James]

Well it is nice to see a thread that can emphasize that buying new fish is more than a matter of acclimation and dropping them into display. Having already learned my lesson a long time ago about that type of practice :D

You fish are looking much better (as is your photography:D).

Would you explain how you went about "cycling" your tank for the fish.

I think one of the biggest issues for the 101 class is the fact that ammonia may get more fish in qt than any ailment. (another VERY expensive lesson I learned the hard way) Kudos on the Ammonia Alert Badge, they are a great item for qt tanks....

[dustin Combs]

I may have missed it in the thread, where can you get a ammonia allert adge?

[Spiffyguy]

Most fish stores have them. I bought mine at....petsmart. Sorry but I needed a 10 gallon for my QT :)

[NicoleC]

They are made by SeaChem and widely available. Also quite cheap, considering how long they last. ($5 at Marine Depot)

IMO, they are a good tool, but do not completely replace ammonia tests in senstitive environments, since they do eventually go bad and there's no sign that has happened..

[Randall_James]

Originally posted by NicoleC
They are made by SeaChem and widely available. Also quite cheap, considering how long they last. ($5 at Marine Depot)

IMO, they are a good tool, but do not completely replace ammonia tests in senstitive environments, since they do eventually go bad and there's no sign that has happened.. They have a 4 hour reaction time, so they are not an instant indicator, however they sure do make you feel better when you can just look at your tank and see if there are any "ammonia indictors"

I also take a black sharpie and put the "opened date" on the clear section so that I can replace them at 9 months. (supposed to be good for 1 year)

[NicoleC]

Good idea!

Yes, I like having an "ammonia probe," too :)

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by Randall_James
Would you explain how you went about "cycling" your tank for the fish.


It's an easy three step process that I used. :)
I have a hang on back filter I use as filtration for my QT tanks. They normally come with a sponge (you can by them cheap at petsmart) and carbon to place in the filtration compartment. What I do is get a fresh sponge and place it in the sump of my main display tank. It get's populated with beneficial bacteria. If I know I will be QTing a fish or coral soon, I will place the sponge in the sump a good two weeks before I need to have the tank set up

A few days before I get the fish I will clean out the QT tank, and use saltwater from the main display to fill it up. I put all the equipment in place and place the sponge from the displays sump into the HOB filter. Whamo! the tank is ready to do. The sponge is the filter I need. I think the mature saltwater is a help too (of course so long as your water parameters are good).

I test the water (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites) and keep a pH probe in for the days leading up to the fish/corals arrival. To be sure everything is well. I have to agree, the ammonia alert is a great idea, but not as good as something like a salifert ammonia test kit. Also, as good of a filter it is using those sponges, I still think it's a must to do frequent water changes. I feed a lot when animals are Qted. They are normally already stressed and need every little bit to help build them back up. So left over food and waste must be taken care of. It doesn't have to be a big change daily, but a good cleanup often will help keep water quality even higher and make our job easier.

[TippyToeX]

Well we are at week 5 now. Just one more week of hypo to go before I can start raising the SG and get them ready for introduction into the display tank. :D

Big tank cleaning on the books today. Get the algae out, do two 5g changes (one morning and one at night), and fresh carbon.

They really did not want their picture taken. That and the tank needs a good cleaning. So I'm sorry this is such a bad picture.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/Charlie-Lucy-QTwwek5.jpg

[img]

[Nagel]

Originally posted by TippyToeX
So I'm sorry this is such a bad picture.


Absolutely horrible pic ;)

Just horrible...

ROFLMAO

They look good.. Wow, its been 5 weeks already? dang!

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

You can more than welcome to come & photograph any of my fish - I really like your pics!

Best of luck with your clowns.

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

I wish I could take pics of your fish Kelly. I'd love all those predators giving me the evil eye :D Can you get pics of the sharks in your pond? I always wondered that.

Just got home from a few days out of state. The clowns are looking good! I can't wait till the weekend when I can start to slowly get the SG up to the display level.

[NicoleC]

In the display by Thanksgiving weekend, maybe?

[TippyToeX]

Originally posted by NicoleC
In the display by Thanksgiving weekend, maybe?

I think so. :D

[TippyToeX]

Charlie and Lucy have been in Qt with a hypo treatment for 6 weeks as of the 19th. I've already started to bring the SG up to the display level.

So, I am going from 1.009 to 1.025. Right now it's at 1.012 and they are happy as ever. Eating and swishing around in their bowl. I've just done daily water changes and will continue to do so with slightly elevated salt water (each day higher then the next). As I said above I hope this will be finished by next weekend. I can't wait to see them in the main tank!

I'll try to get some new pictures posted today.

[melev]

<font type="century gothic" size="6">Free Charlie & Lucy!</font>

<i>T-shirts available at your local Wal-Mart - Buy one today!</i>

[TippyToeX]

ROFL :lol:

[Dudester]

Amy, this thread has been very helpful to me, as I also have a perc in quarantine. At this stage is it also acceptable to allow the water to evaporate and not top-off with RO/DI, thereby increasing the specific gravity of the tank water? My perc is in a 20g QT and I was considering this as an option, since losing a couple gallons of volume over time should not stress the system.


p.s. I called Wal-Mart and put a shirt on hold for me!

[NicoleC]

As long as the salinity is rising slowly enough (.01 to .02) per day, evaporation is a fine way to bring the salinity back up after hypo. You may still need to do some water changes, though.

[TippyToeX]

Dudester - Nicole said it best. That's a fine way to do it so long as the rise in SG is not too much too quickly. Do you have any pictures of your percs? I'd love to see them. :)

Too funny Marc! :D

[Jordan55]

Pretty clowns Amy.... going the 7 gallon?

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Jordan! No, they are going into the 29g. It's just for them and the new anemone. :)

Here is a pic of them from tonight. Silly ol Charlie would not have any of it with the camera. He was all about showing me his backside. :D

http://images.snapfish.com/3455864323232%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E6%3B8%3E%3A72%3EWSNRCG%3D3233345278766nu0mrj

[Dudester]

Amy (and anyone else interested), actually I have only 1 perc in quarantine. I had received a mated pair of percs from a friend, and they were doing quite well in his tank. They both had lesions of lymphocystis, the female with a rather noticable white growth on her gills, and the male with a tiny white spot behind his gills. I placed them in my display tank, as I did not have a QT at that time :mad2: . They both ate and adapted quite well to my tank, hosting in my frogspawn. Unfortunately after 3 days, the female became ill and died quite suddenly. I don't want to hijack this wonderful thread, so if you're interested here's the story of her demise.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=696622

At any rate, my male appeared lonely and I have a new juvenile true perc IN QUARANTINE that I hope to mate with the one in my display. I anticipate that my male will become female and my juvenile will assume a male sex.

I don't have any pics to share today, but I will by the end of the week and I'll post here if you're still interested.

[TippyToeX]

Dudester - I'm sorry you lost that female. At least her death was not in vain because it taught you the need to QT your livestock. :) When will the new little clown be added to the display? Looking forward to those pics.


The QT tank is now at 1.019. Both clowns look great! :D

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

so a big tetra air pump is better to keep PH up than a powerhead in a Q.T.??

[TippyToeX]

E-A-G-L-E-S - My experience for this tank and it's location has been that an air wand or stone has done a much better job at keeping pH up then any powerhead. I am quite sure that varies from tank to tank and is not the "norm".

If you are worried about pH in your QT setup I'd suggest you experiment before you receive your arrival. Try both and see what works best for you. :)

[TippyToeX]

Currently we are at 1.024 :D

I declare Sunday as the day for the big transfer!

[Dudester]

Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) how it goes - sure it'll be smooth as silk. Sorry, still working on those pics of my percs for you.

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Dudester, I hope it goes smoothy. :D No rush on the pics, but when you do have them please post.

OK I have an agenda today for Charlie and Lucy. I am going to do a large water change (more than 50%) using water from the display tank. So that they get even morte use to what is to come. The water quality for the display is as follows:
Ammonia 0
Nitrites o
Nitrates 5ppm
Temp 82 degrees
Salinity 1.025
pH 8.2 (and that only happens with a 24/7 kalk drip)
Ca 375
Alk 11dkh

The only thing in the display tank is the Macrodactyla doreensis (LTA anemone), about 30 pounds or so of live rock, a somewhat deep sand bed (need to add a good 3" when I move it next month). I also went out a bought a clay pot for them to go to. I am somewhat paranoid that they will feel lost without a bowl like they have and love in the QT tank. I have little to no hope of them going to the LTA right away or at all. It's not a natural host to Percula clowns. So the clay pot can give them the comfort they might need while they adjust to the new tank.

I also wonder how they will take to the water flow. They have been in a tranquil little tank with out 10 x's turn over. The main tank has over 35x's turn over. :D poor little devils are going to get a ride when they hit the tank. I know they can take it, it's not like it's anything close to what they deal with in the wild. I just wonder how they will adjust.

OK enough ramblings. I'll take a pic of the main tank in a little bit to show you all what it looks like.

[Dudester]

Originally posted by TippyToeX

I also wonder how they will take to the water flow. They have been in a tranquil little tank with out 10 x's turn over. The main tank has over 35x's turn over. :D poor little devils are going to get a ride when they hit the tank. I know they can take it, it's not like it's anything close to what they deal with in the wild. I just wonder how they will adjust.
I put a MaxiJet 900 powerhead in my QT for that very reason! I know it looks aweful, but I also used the venturi attachment for bubbles, figuring I was getting the benefits of both an airstone (for oxygenation and pH control) and a powerhead (?).

[TippyToeX]

I think that's a great idea Dudester. I might try that next time. What are you able to keep your pH at?

Well it's been 7 weeks but the day has finally come. Both Charlie and Lucy are in the display tank. :D :D Here are two amazingly bad photos.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/CharlieLucyfree009.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/CharlieLucyfree031copy.jpg

It went so smoothly I was shocked. The QT tank parameters matched the display tanks perfectly. So I just reached into the QT tank, both clowns dove into their bowl. I picked the bowl up, walked to the 29g, dipped the bowl in and they swam over to their new terra cotta pot. They have not left that spot since.

They ate a good meal tonight (cyclopeeze). A little time was spent adjusting to the higher flow but they didn't panic. They just fought it till they found a good bobbing rhythm. Now the lights are out and they look to be settled in.

I'm a little sad to have broken down the QT tank. I drained it, washed it out with bleached and water (as well as the HOB filter, PVC, and heater) then rinsed it out really well. Now it's just running with fresh water to get the last of any bleach out. It's going to be odd not having to take care of that tank. I really did enjoy the time they were in QT.

I am happy they are healthy and happy in the display tank and will give me years and years of enjoyment (I hope) in there.

Now.. will they ever go to the LTA is the questions. :smokin:

[Randall_James]

No need to go to extremes removing the bleach, it dissipates very rapidly in the air. In food preparation, we just spray down surfaces and let it dry, it is gone.

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

They look good in their display tank.....now what to add to the empty QT ?

Best of luck,

Kelly

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

lol

[NicoleC]

Congratulations and best of luck to all three of you!

I always feel a sense of both excitement and let down when bringing a fish out of QT. There really is something to be said for the kind of careful attention and closeness you get with just a fish or two in a small QT.

Parasite and disease issues aside, the quiet QT time really seems to help the fish out, plus it's a good time to train them to eat whatever foods you're going to serve them in whatever manner. (Hand feed, feeding station, broadcast feeding, etc.)

[melev]

I like how the LTA is two different colors in those pictures. I like the bottom one better. :D

Congrats on releasing your babies into their new home. Time for me to find some other cause to fight for now. Charlie and Lucy are free at last. :lol:

[TippyToeX]

Thanks everyone! I had this bad feeling I am going to go clown nuts and get another pair soon. :rolleyes: :D I am now getting the idea of turning the garage into my fish room and get into breeding.

Marc, the bottom pic is true to it's color. The first one the flash hit the glass all funky.

[Puffer Queen]

Who needs a garage anyway......it is not like you need to park your car in there on snowy days :)

My vote - convert the garage!!

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

Good point Kelly! :D I just need to figure out how to keep it cool in there and I think I will do it.

[Puffer Queen]

I just bought a portable free standing air conditioner unit (on wheels) this summer for my basement as it was like a rain forest down there.

Wow - what a difference!

I bought mine at Sam's Club. I also saw them at Home Depot.

A second vote for a garage fish room :)

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

That was one of the recommendations for my garage, a portable air unit. Which would be a side benefit to keep the whole garage cool so that my other freezer and fridge wouldn't work so hard.

I guess I better start a thread about this endeavor soon. :D

[Randall_James]

Originally posted by Puffer Queen
I just bought a portable free standing air conditioner unit (on wheels) this summer for my basement as it was like a rain forest down there.

Kelly A free standing unit could only be a fan or an evaporative cooler. The only real "Free standing" air conditioners are window units. (or thru wall)

The evaporative cooler works in direct conflict with any refrigeration unit and they should never be run together in the same environment at the same time.

No refrigeration unit can cool until it removes the moisture from the air. Evaporative units by the principal they work on, put a ton of moisture in the air. So it must be 1 or the other. A free standing refer unit would be an exercise in futility as it would have cold air out one side (evaporator side) and superheated air out the other (condenser side) and actually would have a net result of heating the air.

[Puffer Queen]

Randall James,

The unit has an exhaust fan/hose (long length) that is vented to the outside. It has a bucket to catch the water - I connected it to a hose & have it drain into the basement floor sump.

It is a great unit & can be moved if needed. I'll try to take/post a picture when I get home from work.

Kelly

[Randall_James]

ok well that makes it workable then. Sure sounded funny as a free standing refer unit :D I would imagine the shorter you can keep that hotside hose the better.

Now is that hot hose actually 2 hoses? in/out (split hose) or are they robbing some of your interior air to cool the condensor? (would mean we are now working in a negative pressure room)

[Puffer Queen]

One thick hose vented to outside. Since adding the unit in my basement which houses 2700 gallons of saltwater, my electric bill is less & my upstairs in not an "ice chest" any more :).

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

Please do post a picture if you can Kelly. I'd like to see it. :)

[Randall_James]

If you are running refrigeration upstairs, and the humdity from downstairs is getting up there, you are working your system double overtime. Just venting the humidity alone would reduce your electric bill.

The only other part is if the unit is exausting air from the room, where is the makeup air coming from?

[Puffer Queen]

I do have muffin fans to vent, doors & dehumidifiers. I monitor my humidity (monitors on all 3 floors) closely as well.

Kelly

[TippyToeX]

You know, better to start a new thread about this. I don't want this one to get sidetracked. :)

Thanks!

[Jordan55]

Hey there Amy! Looking great! Glad to hear they went in okay.

I think we need a full tank shot:)

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Jordan! :D I'll try to get a whole tank shot this week.

*saw the Goblet of Fire last night, awesome!*

[Dudester]

Originally posted by TippyToeX
I think that's a great idea Dudester. I might try that next time. What are you able to keep your pH at?
My pH has been quite stable at 8.2-8.3 (Salifert). My display tank is in the same range, so I'm expecting a similarly simple transition from QT to DT.

still working on those pics for ya

[TippyToeX]

Good to hear. I think I should try that next time! :)

I guess we are both going to have to work on pictures. I need to get some better ones of the whole tank and of C&L in their beloved clay pot.

[Sohal11]

Wow! A lot of good information here.. thks

[Dudester]

Amy, since this is a "100" level course, could you specify exactly how much bleach you used when washing out your tank and equipment? I would guess you don't need much at all. Would vinegar be an acceptable substitute?

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Sohal11!

Dudester - Sorry about the delay. I used a 4:1 water to bleach. I used bleach because it's an disinfectant, I do not believe vinegar would do the same. I might be going overboard cleaning everything with bleach but it's a safety measure I don't mind taking and is easy enough to do. :)

[Puffer Queen]

Amy,

I have been accused of being "wasteful" with bleach. I use a lot of bleach & bleach everything !

My motto - a little is good but more is better :)

I agree with Amy - vinegar does not kill bacteria/parasites/human skin/sponges :) like bleach.

Kelly

[Randall_James]

vinegar can actually feed some bacteria..

[Dudester]

Thanks for the bleach vs. vinegar info. I just took down my QT 2 nights ago and I'll give it the 'ol bleach treatment tonight.

As promised, here are some pics of my percs (not trying to hijack, just honoring my word). This first one shows my current lonely guy (soon to be girl) living in the display tank. The resolution's a little too low but you might be able to see lesions of lymphocystis on his tail. This was shot about 3 weeks ago and the lesions are now totally gone!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/mjosephs/30g%20cube/truepercdori5.jpg

This next one is the juvenile who hopefully will become male and mate with the above.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/mjosephs/30g%20cube/truepercnemo4.jpg

You can see he didn't skip too many meals :D

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/mjosephs/30g%20cube/truepercnemo8.jpg

[Randall_James]

oddly captivating shot the "from the top down" one is

[TippyToeX]

Dudester those pictures are wonderful! They will make a handsome couple when the male is added. :D Thanks so much for sharing them. I agree, the top down picture is a sweet shot.

[Dudester]

Thanks, but we'll have to see about the coupling process. They've been together for 3 days now and I've witnessed nothing to suggest that they're getting along. The much larger female has nipped aggressively at the new little addition, taking a small chunk out of his ventral fin (fortunately without a flesh wound). She won't share her host frogspawn at all. It's early, however, and he remains healthy and eats well. I still hope that they'll pair up. But this is off-topic, sorry for the interruption of this quarantine thread.

[TippyToeX]

OK guys this is awesome! Little Charlie has been flirting with the LTA for the past two days. Yesterday he would go up to the perimeter and take a tentacle into his mouth. No biting but it looks like he is darn near sucking on it.

I woke up this morning and he was smack dab in the center! :D Lucy is still madly in love with her bowl but does go in to check out what Charlie is up to. It's so sweet because she acts irate that something is far more appeal to him then she is.

BAD PICTURE. I know I know. i was just so excited I grabbed the cam and took a few pics. No photoshop to clean it up any either, my laptop (that has PS on it) is in the shop. Grrr...! This is Charlie mouthing it some. Lucy goin' "what the heck are you doing young man!?"

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5485.jpg

[NicoleC]

The mouthing of tentacles seems to be common. I have also noticed a tendancy for the males to explore more and initiate moves to new hosts.

Congrats! You may see both of them in the anemone before you know it!

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Nicole. :) I hope Lucy will take a dive in full time soon. For now I have been sitting in front of the tank for 3 hours just watching. I bet I would have to be dragged away when she gets in too.

I've been reading about the mouthing in the CF&A forum. Some (like maroons) can get aggressive with the mouthing, ripping the tentacles off. I wonder what the true meaning is behind it.

[NicoleC]

Investigation, maybe? They use their mouths to check eggs and take care of them. Mayeb it's like fingers to them?

I would think the mouth would be more sensitive, but maybe not. Maybe it is less sensitive and helps them get acclimated to the anemone's stings? No one is every sure why clowns don't get stung!

[TippyToeX]

That makes sense. It's odd, I've been watching him do this all day and it looks affectionate but cautious to me. Like he wants to get a feel for this big purple shaggy blob, and see if they will get along. :D

The lights are off and he is full on in the center of the LTA. Lucy is in her pot but looks over the edge to see what he's doing.

[TippyToeX]

Update: I just got home from a trip to LA to find both Lucy and Charlie are in the LTA. :)

I'll see about getting some pictures up later this evening.

[NicoleC]

:D

[TippyToeX]

Every time I get near to take a photo they both head for the top of the tank thinking it's meal time :rolleyes:

Here is Lucy doing the whole "If I can't see you, you can't see me" deal. :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5489.jpg

[melev]

Feed them, then take the picture. :)

[TippyToeX]

I'll give it a try. Something tells me they are both such pigs they will just stay at the top of the tank begging even though they just ate. :D

[melev]

Put some food on the front of the lens to lure them down to the anemone. :lol:

[NicoleC]

Tripod and continous shot mode :) Something'll be a good shot!

She's looking fat and sleek.

[TippyToeX]

I need to find the setting for the rapid shot. I think my cam can do 5 in a row with one click. If I do that enough I am sure you are right and I'll get something good. :)

She has gotten large! It seems in the last week or two both of them have had a big growth spurt and have darkened up in color. Now I just need a clutch of eggs out of them to christen the breeding setup I am working on in the garage.

[bergzy]

hey!

long time no talk amy!!!

how ya been?

what camera are you using?

are you going anywhere for christmas?

is there water in your tank?

wow, am i full of questions!?! :D:D:D

seriously...

how are you doing?

oh yeah, i am on the national bone marrow registry! :)

[TippyToeX]

Ben! Where the heck have you been??

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6321656#post6321656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bergzy
how ya been?

I've been doing well! Getting this breeding system going slowly but surly. I should of PMed you to keep those hawk eyes out for me for brood stock. :D How have you been? Reeflings are trucking along?

what camera are you using?

Canon G5. :)

are you going anywhere for christmas?

Nope! Home sweet home for me. :D You been good this year? Santa might hook you up right?

oh yeah, i am on the national bone marrow registry! :)

:D Yes! I'm going to PM you in like 5 min. Pretty please respond.

[TippyToeX]

Alrighty! Time for a ton of pictures. :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5510.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5517.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5511.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5523.jpg

[TippyToeX]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5539.jpg

My favorite

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/IMG_5531.jpg

[melev]

Sweet pictures! OMG Amy, I think you used up your quota for 2005. Too many pictures at once time. Noooooooooooo. :D

[TippyToeX]

:D

[scbauer]

Man, what bad timing to find one of Amy's best threads. I see in your signature that you're currently "Offline from 01/06/06 till..."

It's 1/7/06 and I just found this thread. Amy, I hope you're not moving out of LV or anything crazy like that.

Great thread... can't wait for another update to see how the clowns are doing now.

-Scott

[reefbaby]

Hello Everyone!

I was just wondering....due to the problems with nitrate and ammonia in a QT tank, would it make any sense to skim a QT tank - or alternatively, have it looped through a bucket with deep sand??

I don't have a QT tank yet, but was hoping to get one set up for our new tank. We'll be transferring most of the livestock and live rocks from our old tank, so won't need to quarantine those, but what about new live rock?? Would it be alright to just have them in a large vat with a circulation pump and let them cycle there??

Great thread...was very informative! Thanks!

Cheers!

[NicoleC]

Placing the rock in vats is perfect. Skim the vats while it's curing if you can, if not just keep the flow really good and do plenty of water changes.

There's no reason you couldn't skim a QT tank, but it's not necessary, IMO. The nitrate won't hurt the fishes at those levels, and the skimming won't help much with ammonia -- so you are still going to have to do plenty of water changes.

[TippyToeX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6446034#post6446034 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scbauer
Man, what bad timing to find one of Amy's best threads. I see in your signature that you're currently "Offline from 01/06/06 till..."

It's 1/7/06 and I just found this thread. Amy, I hope you're not moving out of LV or anything crazy like that.

Great thread... can't wait for another update to see how the clowns are doing now.

-Scott

Hey Scott :)

Sorry about the offline bit. Got waaayyy too much going on here at home to keep track of. Travel to TX, UK, Canada, NY, and Cali all in the next two months. I had to finish up some work so that I can take the two months off. I wasn't sure how long it would take to get that all in order. Just going to be on and off RC for the next two months I fear.

I'm not moving out of LV :D

I'll update this thread a little later tonight!

[NicoleC]

If you make it to OC, gimme a holler and I'll buy you dinner.

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Nicole, that would be wonderful (sneak in a trip to see the YWG babies if I beg & bring frags?)! In February I will be in that area. I'll let you know when the time gets closer. :)

[NicoleC]

Egad, no, no frags! No more livestock!

Hopefully I'll have babies. At this point I'm eager to show off, except everytime I tell someone to come look, they die :rolleye1: This batch is 10 days old today. :)

[TippyToeX]

Lucy begging for her photo to be taken. :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/tippytoex2/CL0113-06002copy.jpg

[melev]

That is a <b>great</b> shot, Amy!

[Konadog]

Nice picture Amy, if your in town LMK.

[TippyToeX]

Thanks Marc! :D I wish I could get a real good shot of Charlie. He is such a spaz. The second I have him locked in for a focused pic he dives under the anemone.

[TippyToeX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6496905#post6496905 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Konadog
Nice picture Amy, if your in town LMK.

That I will Ken. I might be able to fix the next trip to go with one of your club meetins. :D

[Konadog]

:thumbsup:

[kane4187]

That is a nice pic Amy.

[TippyToeX]

Thanks kane4187! :)

[Dino]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6459698#post6459698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TippyToeX
I'm not moving out of LV :D

:D Bummer...

Btw, we need to trade here. I'll come take pictures of Odie while you take pictures of Mr. Clownfish ;). Judging from the picture ^up there^ you're about 100 times better at it than me.

[TippyToeX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6504169#post6504169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dinoman
:D Bummer...

:lol: They have no idea you are out of the lounge, do they?

I'll come take pictures of Odie while you take pictures of Mr. Clownfish ;).

Deal!! Clownfish I can take, a crazy puppy who would like to lick the camera I can not control well enough.

Thanks D-M. :D

[Dino]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6505858#post6505858 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TippyToeX
:lol: They have no idea you are out of the lounge, do they?


Shhhhhh.....they won't think to look for me here :lol:. I think you guys need a couple dog threads to spruce up the place out here though.

[crzy4reefs]

peek a boo i see you, now get back to the lounge right now mister

[Dino]

:mad: b-b-b-but I just wanted to talk to Amy!!!

[TippyToeX]

Uh oh, busted! :eek:

[Dino]

It was ^her^ fault! :eek:

[TippyToeX]

Muuuhahahahahaa!! I get yet another pair of clownfish tomorrow. Ocellaris this time, a spawning pair to boot.

:beer: :dance: :D

[Konadog]

Amy, I picked this one up last Sunday for my new tank. Now I have to find a mate!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/9086Ocellaris.JPG

[TippyToeX]

Awww what a pretty girl! :)

I can never tell the difference, is she a polymnus or a sebae?

[Konadog]

I'm not sure. :confused: I'm pretty sure it's not a sebae.

I'm getting a new tank this weekend and I had to pick up all the livestock last weekend. I didn't have time to ask all the questions I would have liked to. It's amazing all the stuff that can hide in a 225!

[TippyToeX]

Woohoo, a 225g! You lucky ducky! :D

[Konadog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6534392#post6534392 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TippyToeX
Woohoo, a 225g! You lucky ducky! :D :thumbsup:

OK, the guy I got the clown from says it's a black saddleback.