I had a few tropical fish including a plecko in our ten gallon tank. Then I bought two fish that apparently had ick and fish rot because everybody got it and died off two by two within 2 days. (I had started the ick medication)
Now, a week later all that's left is the plecko who appears quite healthy and normal. I never finished the medication.
My question is, I want to restock my tank and I'm not sure if the parasites are still in my tank.
What do I need to do to make my tank safe for new fish:?
And no, I will not be going back to the store that sold me the sick fish.
2007-06-02 06:17:52 · 4 answers · asked by Elvis Luvr 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
I would wait at least 2 weeks before adding any new fish to the tank. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for each 2 gallons of water and keep the temperature at about 85 during the next week. If there are any parasites or disease causing organisms in the tank, they will be killed or become very evident within that week to 2 weeks. After the first week do a water change and allow the temperature to come back to normal assuming you haven't seen a problem.
If no problems have developed along the way, you can assume it's safe to add more fish.
The only other option is to break down and clean out the tank, then cycle it again before adding new fish, that will tank about 4-6 weeks and be harsh on the pleco.
MM
2007-06-02 07:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
clean your tank, refill it and add the stress coat liquid and the ick solution, and the chlorine remover, etc treatments you may use. MAKE SURE you get new filters also, and clean the filter out well. Let your tank stand and filter about 2 days before adding any more fish. Be sure when you get the fish that they are not temperature sensitive. Mollies are a hardy fish to start with.
2007-06-02 06:27:53 · answer #2 · answered by debi_0712 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your PLECO will get to the size of that tank, Upgrade to a bigger tank or get rid of it, I suggest you start from scratch,
1 get rid of the pleco
2 wash the tank out with water and scrub everything
3 refil and let tank cycle then add some new fish only a few at a time.,
2007-06-02 06:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would transfer your plecko to a separate bowl or something and completely clean out the entire tank. I got this stuff from PetSmart that comes in a spray bottle that you can use to clean the inside and outside of the tank, and it is supposed to be safe. Good luck!
2007-06-02 06:21:57 · answer #4 · answered by slustephi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋