Cryptocaryon Irritans - tank transfer method

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by jjk_reef00

Assuming the DT is disease free, do you see any problem using display tank water for the transfer and putting the new water into the display tank? I like the idea of having a water change every 3 days lol

That is a big assumption, but if it is true, it should be fine. Best practice, however, is to match the SG of the transport water of the new fish so there is no acclimation other than temperature.

[NarakuAulonocar]

Is it possible to do the transfer without taking the fish out of water?
I read an article that advocated such and it mentioned that exposing fish out of water could increase problems.

I did my first transfer with multiple buckets of freshwater before transferring to the second tank. Is that OK?

Thanks

[tmz]

Assuming the DT is disease free, do you see any problem using display tank water for the transfer and putting the new water into the display tank? I like the idea of having a water change every 3 days lol

Even if I were sure about "disease free", I'd still use newly mixed water aged overnight. The tank water will have organics and other nutrient material it. Since your transfer tank doesn't have the benthic biofilter your dispaly tank has, it's likely to produce ammonia more quickly than new water, ime.

[Doodman22]

Hello Everyone (and Steve)!

First, I wanted to report back on my experience with the TT method and to ask another question.

In an earlier post you will see that I did the TT method on 2 gobies and a Coral Beauty after I saw Ich show up on the CB in normal QT. Well, I wanted to report back that it *looks* like it was a HUGE success. All the fish came our of TT (and into QT for a few more weeks) very happy, fat and heathly. In the past few weeks of monitoring the CB (which had ich spots), it has remained clear.

Now, I have a another question. A local reefer was getting rid of some fish and I picked up some of them. A Christmas wrasse and a brown tang. The wrasse is about 4.5 inches and the tang is just a bit smaller. In my previous TT experience, I used 5 gallon buckets to house the fish. Is a 5 gallon bucket with a few PVC pieces and a tupperware container of sand (for the wrasse) large enough for the TT method?

I know that both these fish need swimming room when in the DT, but is it OK for them to share a 5 gallon bucket during the TT method, then move them to a larger QT tank for observation?

Thanks for any advice!

-Matt

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Doodman22

Hello Everyone (and Steve)!

First, I wanted to report back on my experience with the TT method and to ask another question.

In an earlier post you will see that I did the TT method on 2 gobies and a Coral Beauty after I saw Ich show up on the CB in normal QT. Well, I wanted to report back that it *looks* like it was a HUGE success. All the fish came our of TT (and into QT for a few more weeks) very happy, fat and heathly. In the past few weeks of monitoring the CB (which had ich spots), it has remained clear.

Now, I have a another question. A local reefer was getting rid of some fish and I picked up some of them. A Christmas wrasse and a brown tang. The wrasse is about 4.5 inches and the tang is just a bit smaller. In my previous TT experience, I used 5 gallon buckets to house the fish. Is a 5 gallon bucket with a few PVC pieces and a tupperware container of sand (for the wrasse) large enough for the TT method?

I know that both these fish need swimming room when in the DT, but is it OK for them to share a 5 gallon bucket during the TT method, then move them to a larger QT tank for observation?

Thanks for any advice!

-Matt

Those two fish should do fine in a 5 gallon bucket. The sand must be discarded after every transfer with new sand being provided. Very important not to have any water sharing or sharing of non-sterilized equipment.

[Doodman22]

Thanks again Steve for the very quick reply.

I got the "not sharing anything" thing burned into my brain during my first TT experience (which went great). During my first TT experience, I can't count the number of times that I sat up in bed, late at night panicing that I somehow contaiminated something in the process. I would have to lay there and think through my activites for that day to make sure I didn't contaminate anything, before I could get back to sleep.

Sounds a little obsessive, but I have yet to meet a reefer that not at least a little "obsessive".

Thanks again!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Doodman22

Thanks again Steve for the very quick reply.

I got the "not sharing anything" thing burned into my brain during my first TT experience (which went great). During my first TT experience, I can't count the number of times that I sat up in bed, late at night panicing that I somehow contaiminated something in the process. I would have to lay there and think through my activites for that day to make sure I didn't contaminate anything, before I could get back to sleep.

Sounds a little obsessive, but I have yet to meet a reefer that not at least a little "obsessive".

Thanks again!

Obsessive is good and once you have designed and used your TT protocol multiple times, it will become more second nature not to contaminate.

[Doodman22]

Hi Everyone,

I have another question. I don't think it's specific to the TT method, but it's related.

As you see in my previous post, my latest TT method involves a brown tang and a Christmas wrasse. I just did the 1st transfer this morning and decided to split the fish into 2 different 5 gallon buckets. Everything was fine, but I wanted to give the fish a bit more room to relax.

Additionally, I added a tupperware container of sand to the wrasse's bucket for him to sleep/hide in. Well, that is working really good. In fact, I'm now worried it may work too good. I haven't seen him out today. In reading other posts on wrasses, it sounds typical that the hide for a bit, so I'm not too concerned at this point.

However, it got me thinking.... What happens if I get to the next transfer and he is still in the sand or maybe he was out, but goes back in the sand? In reading other posts about wrasse's everyone says NEVER go digging for the wrasse. However, with the TT method, I need to move him at a specific time.

Is it OK, to gently move the sand around to get his to come out so I can catch him?

I know I can't "share" anything during the transfer, including the sand, so I know I can't just move over the whole tupperware container with him in it.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[snorvich]

You would have to remove him. Although I never had that happen.

[jjk_reef00]

Some wrasses will hide for a few days if they are stressed.
I think people don't recomend digging because it stresses the fish even more and you could unintentionally damage the fish. I would gradually dump the sand out slowly into another container (not the new tank) to make sure you don't damage the fish.

[L8ndeb]

Hello All,

I'm trying the Tank Transfer quarantine method, and have a quick question or two.

I know the schedule is to transfer the morning of the fourth day, but I was wondering......if my guys get put into the 1st QT say noon/1pm on day one, am I still looking at the first transfer taking place the morning of the fourth day?

Just want to get the timing right. TIA

Also, is it OK to have say four fish in the tank at a time going through the quarantine?

[tmz]

The tank needs to be of sufficient size to accomodate the fish in it with resting places and hiding places for them. Otherwise, the number doesn't matter since any parasites in any of them will leave within the 12 day course ;compatability in tems of aggression is important though.

While the morning is preferred , I think the 72 hour time frame trumps it.

[L8ndeb]

Originally Posted by tmz

The tank needs to be of sufficient size to accomodate the fish in it with resting places and hiding places for them. Otherwise, the number doesn't matter since any parasites in any of them will leave within the 12 day course ;compatability in tems of aggression is important though.

While the morning is preferred , I think the 72 hour time frame trumps it.

Hi TMZ and thanks for the response. The tank is a 20 gal tall so I don't think size will be an issue. Fish are a mated pair of Maroon Clowns, Bi-Color Basslett, and a purple firefish. From what I have read, I don't compatibility will be an issue either. (If I am wrong, please let me know.)

The time thing is what I was most worried about. I have read the using this method, the morning is important (Post #1 "The theory behind the tank transfer method for treating Cryptocaryon irritans is to move a fish from one tank to the other when the parasites fall off the fish. This happens during dark times in the aquarium so moving the animal first thing in the morning is preferred. ") so I was wondering which direction to go.

[jjk_reef00]

I personally transfer in the morning even if I receive the fish in the afternoon.

[L8ndeb]

Originally Posted by hvacman250

Can someone edit the first post and elaborate more exactly on directions? Might help newcomers.

I am using this treatment for the first time on 7 fish, 2 being Tangs. Hopefully, Im doing it right:

Day 1 - fish in QT.
Day 4 - in AM, but before tank lights come on (8-9 AM EST), transfer fish to new tank, matching temp and salinity. Transfer as little water as possible.
Day 7 - repeat.
Day 10 - repeat.
Day 13 - repeat and done.

After transferring, I sterilized all PVC, heaters, filters/powerheads, thermometer, etc with a mild bleach colution. Rinse well. Let dry before next transfer.

Does it matter when I transfer fish? If the parasite falls off at night, should I transfer before dawn? Or is that too stressful for fish?

Hi Steve,

In post number 13, you said that this procedure is correct. I am just starting this today (8/11 at 11am). If I understand correctly, I will transfer on:

Tuesday the 14th
Friday the 17th
Monday the 20th
Thursday the 23rd

The schedule also states on day thirteen (Thursday the 23rd) to "repeat and done". Does that mean to take them out of the QT and acclimate for the DT, then put into the DT?

TIA

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by L8ndeb

Hi Steve,

In post number 13, you said that this procedure is correct. I am just starting this today (8/11 at 11am). If I understand correctly, I will transfer on:

Tuesday the 14th
Friday the 17th
Monday the 20th
Thursday the 23rd

The schedule also states on day thirteen (Thursday the 23rd) to "repeat and done". Does that mean to take them out of the QT and acclimate for the DT, then put into the DT?

TIA

If you are putting them into a tank that is ich free (never had a fish with ich or left fallow for 9 weeks), they could go into the display tank. If not, they need to go somewhere that is guaranteed parasite free.

[benjc]

Quick question; is day 1 of the process supposed to use tank water or fresh salt water...I understand that at least during the subsequent changes, that new water should be used.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by benjc

Quick question; is day 1 of the process supposed to use tank water or fresh salt water...I understand that at least during the subsequent changes, that new water should be used.

Fresh salt water matched in SG to the transport water.

[FlyingRev]

Could I simply use 5 gallon buckets as the TT's for wrasse's and such?

I have yet to add any fish to my 75 gallon, all I have are corals, mostly SPS. I am deftly afraid of ICH and honestly it is the reason my tank is fishless after all these months.

Would I still need to put the fish in a 10 gallon QT after the TT method is done for new arrivals for 4 additional weeks?

[CAPSLOK]

How do you ensure 0 water sharing when transferring the fish? Are the few drips on the fish / in the tupperware / on the net minor enough not to be a concern?

Do you always do a bleach (or vinegar) rinse of tank/bucket and equipment between transfers, or is a FW rinse and total dry out sufficient?

[tmz]

Total dryout is sufficient.
Limiting the amount of water transfered is helpful. I use a fine net to prevent snags or eye damage(brine shrimp variety) or my hand. The concern is greater if you stir up the bottom and transport a cyst. Even then the timing of the 4 transfers should minimize any chance for infestation at the end of the process.

While a period of observation beyond the transfer period in a cycled tank is very desireable for other maladies ; it's not necessary for crytocaryon irritans control, ime. Any container is ok if you provide some swimming space resting areas ,salinity , nice temp and aeration and control ammonia. Some wrasses need a bowl of sand too. I'm not sure a 5 gallon bucket would provide enough space; a rubber maid bin might be better.

[jjk_reef00]

I've gone through this a couple of times but if a single tomonts is transferred doesn't the chance of reinfection go up quite a bit?

[Stuginski]

Guys I'm in trouble...

Let me explain my situation...

I'm starting a new tank in my new house...I will put the water inside the tank in this weekend. My actual DT has no corals (F.O) and is working like a qt at the moment.
I had a ich outbreak yesterday (I have 3 fishes = hypotang, regalangel and flamehawk)...I have serious intentions to try the TT method, BUT I would use biomedia (syporax) already cycled in my actual DT to speed up my cycle in new tank. After reading this thread I'm pretty sure that this isn't a good idea. So my only option right now are:

1- Don't use TT...and put cooper in my actual DT(qt)?
2- Bring my DT(qt) to a down SG (hypo)?
3- Make a TT protocol...put the fishes after 12 days in my new reef and control amonia??? (the new tank have 600liters and my fishes are smal-mediun)

My hipo is the only fish with salt spots...but she stopped to eat today!!!
Iḿ really concerned.

Help me please...What should I do????????????

Sorry for my terrible english

Hails from Brazil

D.

[Mavrk]

Originally Posted by Stuginski

Guys I'm in trouble...

Let me explain my situation...

I'm starting a new tank in my new house...I will put the water inside the tank in this weekend. My actual DT has no corals (F.O) and is working like a qt at the moment.
I had a ich outbreak yesterday (I have 3 fishes = hypotang, regalangel and flamehawk)...I have serious intentions to try the TT method, BUT I would use biomedia (syporax) already cycled in my actual DT to speed up my cycle in new tank. After reading this thread I'm pretty sure that this isn't a good idea. So my only option right now are:

1- Don't use TT...and put cooper in my actual DT(qt)?
2- Bring my DT(qt) to a down SG (hypo)?
3- Make a TT protocol...put the fishes after 12 days in my new reef and control amonia??? (the new tank have 600liters and my fishes are smal-mediun)

My hipo is the only fish with salt spots...but she stopped to eat today!!!
Iḿ really concerned.

Help me please...What should I do????????????

Sorry for my terrible english

Hails from Brazil

D.

Did you ever get an answer to this? I would go with option 3 using two other tanks or buckets. Once the tank transfer is done, the fish can go into the new tank or a different QT tank.

I would leave your current DT running for 9 weeks total with no fish (that is to say an extra 7 weeks after the tank transfer is done). After that is done you can start moving rocks and stuff from the DT to the new tank if you want to.

[_Mackus_]

I've successfully used the tank transfer method with 5-gallon buckets previously. I'm looking to add some more live stock to my tank, and was just trying to get an idea of how many fish people think I can get away with in a 5-gal bucket.

I'm hoping to add a pair of banggai cardinals, a yellow coris wrasse, and then maybe 3 more wrasses. I'm thinking about doing the cardinals and the yellow coris first, then maybe a couple months from now doing the three other wrasses. Will 3 fish be ok for a few days at a time in the 5-gal buckets? I've got amquel I can treat with each day to ensure the ammonia doesn't get too high.

For the wrasses, I've got some birdsnest that I was planning on just securing around the top of the buckets with a bungee cord to prevent any jumpers.

Does this seem like a reasonable plan?