new fish

[jim from sunny sydney]

Having lost a lot of my fish the last few days, I am convinced it is because I introduced 6 new neon tetras. Only after they entered the main tank (150 litres) the problem started. I did not make any changes to the system otherwise.
I should have learned a lesson from some time ago when I had a similar problem. So now I want to put any new fish in a holding tank like for a while, similar as in “quarantine”. The only thing is, how long for and under what conditions? Do I need to add any chemicals. I rather not as I am anti chemicals as much as possible. Does any-one have experience in this??

 

[Tammy2080]

the best thing to do is to set a quarantine tank filter up in your main tank for roughly a month, mine is always in just incase I find a fish that I really like
then roughly about a week to two days before you buy the new fish, remove a small amount of gravel from your main tank, just enough to cover the bottom of the tank, and an ornament/plant.....depend on which fish you have bought and what they prefer to hide in....Cats like caves, neon's like plants.
some people recommend that you leave the tank empty as orniments/gravel/plastic can absorb the medicine if it is required, but these items can hold some of the natural bacteria that can stop your tank cycling so I prefer to do this.

then take from the main tank enough water to fill it.

ive tried this several times and had no problems (except when ive bought sick fish), all items can be put back into the main tank after use (wash them fully and dry them out first)

I would leave them in for two-three weeks, if infected with anything two weeks from when they become healthy
(three weeks if you know there is a chance of white spot which you can get rid of by raising the water temp)

most pet shops will put fish on hold for you, while you wait to set up a Q tank

Quick questions
what did all of your fish die from?
did you take them back to the shop and get them replaced?
What's the tanks water Quality like?

hope this helps

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

thanks tammy2080.............what is a quarantine tank filter .....i am new so don't know .........what size do i need for my 150litre tank.........i suppose the shop will know . does it just fit inside the main tank
i have no idea what caused the deaths, i may have been stress, but then neons are notorious for carrying deseases.
tank water is OK all checks fine.
the shops here (sydney -australia) don't like dead fish returns unless you are a VERY good customer, they always blame the customer for doing the wrong thing.. a monopoly you say?.yes!!!!!!!

 

[Tammy2080]

I just use a small normal filter, I don't know if you have fluvial filters in Australia but that's what I use, your pet store should tell you which size is best for the Quarantine tank.
some filters use suction cups to hold them in place inside your tank, if they have these I would recommend them. they are easy to put in and remove

how do you introduce the new fish into your tank?
it may have been shock that killed your neon's they are small and have week hearts so a rapid change in water temp and quality can scare and stress them enough to kill.....

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

i will check with my store..........thanks..........introduced fish as always.i.e. 10 min in plastic bag used for transport into new tank to stabilise temp (normally not a problem here) then add 50% tank water to bag, leave 5 min then take out 50% of bagwater and add again 50% tankwater and repeat once more. that way i gradually bring the Ph in the bag upto the tank's pH. normally this is fine. i think i may just have had "bad luck". the filter you mentioned i will enquire about. thanks tammy.

 

[Tammy2080]

your welcome,

i hope you better luck with your next batch of neons )

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

hope so............by the way where are you from

 

[Tammy2080]

sunny England

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

great spot i spent some time in Cornwell GREAT HISTORY. you been there??

 

[Tammy2080]

no, unfortunatly it is too far away
wouldent mind going but as i dont drive it will cost me loads

 

[my_fallen_angel]

I don't know if you have fluvial filters in Australia but that's what I use,

we sure do have them here

Its just everything else that we dont get

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

no, unfortunatly it is too far away
wouldent mind going but as i dont drive it will cost me loads

try to go there sometime you will love it.

 

[jim from sunny sydney]

Its just everything else that we dont get [/QUOTE]
do you some good shops in the "GonG"