White Spot

[pandapops001]

I was told that i should get two zebra danios for my tank to start with and as a precaution treat them for white spot? is this true? i dont mind at all if it is necessary, its a new tank and i'm not cycled yet, but i wanted to get everything that i needed in ready, shall i add this to my shopping cart ??

Thanks
Miranda

 

[tstenback]

I dont feel it is necessary to treat for ICH if the fish dont have it to start with. The meds will probably interfere with the cycle as well. How big is the tank as 2 zebras will not create a very big bioload for anything but the smallest of tanks. Usually when cycling with fish i use 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons of tank. HTH

 

[pandapops001]

Its a 27.5gal, however i was told that i couldnt add more than 3 fish at any one time, so that was going to be what i started with (Once cycled of course)

I'm not using them to cycle, i just wanted to plan out what i was going to get once the tank had been cycled sorry for the confusion,

 

[tstenback]

If you are fishless cycling then you can add a few fish for sure. It depends on the size of your bacteria colony after the cycle. If it is large then you can add more fish. However, if you do not have much experience with fish then yes the person told you right. Add 3-4 fish and check to see if there is a rise in your ammonia and nitrite levels. If there is none wait 10 days or so, to see if there is a disease issue or not and to get feeding down pat, and then add 3 more. repeat the process until you have your tank stocked. If you have a quarantine tank then place all fish in there for 7-10 days before introducing them into your tank. HTH

 

[pandapops001]

I dont i'm afraid, its just the 1 tank (my first), although eventually all being well i would like to get one in the bedroom as well.

Do you know where i can get Bio Spira, i've heard its good to add to your tank if you dont know anybody with established media.

thanks
miranda

 

[tstenback]

Yes, it is supposed to be the only cycling agent that works. I have heard that outside the US it will not be available until the fall. I have also heard many stories about why but all are rumor right now. If you find some check the expiration date before you use it. Good Luck

 

[Teelie]

As a precautionary measure I would treat them if I saw more white spots.

Whoever said more than 3 fish is right on medium to larger fish but with Zebras you can add 5-6 at a time and not affect the bioload. I wouldn't add anymore for a week though.

 

[sumer_kay]

All I can say, is fishless cycling

it is easier, cheaper, and saves you from harming any fishies! good luck!

I wouldn't treat for ich unless you noticed that they had ich. a good alternative to always treating the tank when getting new fish, is to have a quarintine tank, adn put the fish in there for a week or two before putting them in the main tank.