Prior to acquisition of any number of Dwarf Sea Horses (Hippocampus zosterae) (DSH) assemble together the following to ensure it is available and on hand.
Equipment:
Holding Tank
Quarantine Tank
Dipping Container
Aged Marine water (PH Adjusted)
Aged RO/DI water (PH adjusted)
Measuring cup / Turkey baster
Seachem Liquid Marine Buffer (Follow instructions)
Methylene Blue
Procedure:
• Prepare Marine Water Holding Tank. Use aged tap water or RO/DI water. Do not use Distilled water. Ensure that PH is adjusted to match shipping waters.
• Float the shipping bag for as long as necessary to stabilize the temperature to that of the Holding Tank.
• Transfer DSH to Holding Tank.
• Observe for at least 24 hours prior to a Fresh Water Dip
Fresh water dip:
• Prepare Fresh Water Dipping Container. Use aged tap water or RO/DI water. Do not use Distilled water. Ensure that PH is adjusted to match Holding Tank. Have temperatures Stabilized. Add Methylene Blue to recommended concentrations.
• Using your hands transfer DSH to the Dipping Container.
• Dip Sea Horse in fresh water for about 8 minutes Maximum, taking care not to over stress the animal. Watch for pathogens to come from the gill area. Discard water after Dip is complete.
This Procedure should not take more than 10 minutes
Transferring from Dipping Container to Quarantine Tank
• Ensure that Dipping Container water temperature and PH are the same as that of the Quarantine Tank.
• After completion of the Freshwater Dip transfer the DSH to the Quarantine Tank.
• After 10 minutes add DSH to Quarantine Tank for observation for 6 - 8 weeks.
This process should take no longer than 10 minutes or so.
After Specimen(s) have/has been observed to be disease free for about 6 – 8 weeks. It then may be introduced into the display tank.
Introduction of Specimens into Display Tank.
• Ensure that Quarantine Tank water temperature and PH are the same as that of the Display Tank.
• After 10 minutes add 1 cup (236.588 ml) of tank water to the transfer container.
• After 10 minutes remove 1 cup (236.588 ml) from the transfer container. Discard any water removed from transfer container.
• Add 1 cup (236.588 ml) of tank water to the transfer container.
• After 10 minutes remove 1 cup (236.588 ml) from the transfer container.
• Add 1 cup (236.588 ml) of tank water to transfer container.
• After 10 minutes add DSH to Display Tank.
This process should take no longer than 45 minutes or so.
Here's the updated system plan for
acclimation etc.