Freshwater Dip?

[Diving The World]

So years ago I found the most ecomical way to rid a fish of simple diseases like ich was to do a quick freshwater dip.

Yesterday I noticed that one of my new ocellaris clowns was covered in ich and swimming near the bottom with his top fin flat (looking near death). I did a 10 minute freshwater dip and poured him back in. This morning his fin is back up, he's swimming normally and most of the ich is gone. I don't have a quarantine tank, so this was my only solution.

So chime in, is this inhumane? What other alternatives are there if you don't have a quarantine tank? What methods do you use, how long, do you add anything to the water (besides remove Chlorine/Chloromine)?

Also, I've seen/heard this done for corals to rid of basic things like bristleworms, nudibranchs, flatworms, etc. Anyone try it on corals and have some advice?

Incidentally, I picked up some Tropic Marin Pro Coral Cure this weekend, so have no plans for freshwater dips on corals, but just curious.

[afbengochea]

FW dips are a common practice. Some people think its too stressful for certain type of fish (like tangs) but alot do FW dips as a preventative measure

[ILLBKING]

The Regal Tang I got this week, got a FW dip before going into my tank. So have the Sailfin and the Scopas, and Flame angle in the past. Just how it is with out a QT.

[Diving The World]

What does everyone recommend, 10 minutes, more, less? Just plain water, or do you add anything to it?

[reefmaker1]

Please fill me in on the procedure, you actually just put the fish in freshwater?

[ILLBKING]

10-15 min, just watch how labored the breathing becomes.

[ILLBKING]

PH buffer to 8.3 in RO/DI.

[Diving The World]

Originally Posted by reefmaker1

Please fill me in on the procedure, you actually just put the fish in freshwater?

I'll give you my procedure which generally works:

Take a fish bag something you can float in the fish tank. Fill it with tap water, add something to remove the chlorine, let sit for 5 minutes or so till the temperature equalizes.

Catch the fish (this is generally the most difficult part) and drop him/her into the bag/container. Time for 10 minutes (above hints of 10-15). I watch the fish the entire time and make sure they're breathing ok, not lying on their side, etc.

When time is up, pour fish and water into the fish tank.

Done, and hopefully a less sick fish!

[Geoff]

i suggest not pouring the water back in the tank if at all possible. sometimes the parasite will drop off the fish, but not die. putting them back into the SW tank may give them another lease on life.

G~