7 August 2012
We recently purchased approximately 120 pearlscales to add to the Dorje Pond, which had been conditioned for their home. Added to the pond over a course of three days, they survived for one week before displaying symptoms of illness, which many succumbed to.
An aquarium specialist was called in to diagnose the pearlscales, and these were his findings.
An aquarium specialist was called in to diagnose the pearlscales, and these were his findings.
The Cause
- The small pearlscales got sick and died because new fish were not quarantined properly before adding them to the pond
- The specialist suspects that some of the new fish were carrying parasites, bacteria or fungus, and when added to the pond, the smallest weakest fish (the small pearlscales) were infected
- Because they are weak and very sensitive, they died
- The specialist also suspects too many fish may have been added at the same time. Adding too many fish causes the water to become very polluted as the good bacteria in the filter has not adjusted to the new waste level. Again, the smaller fish are vulnerable and can die
The Cure
The specialist was not able to pinpoint what parasite is causing the problem. He was also not able to pinpoint which medicine worked, as too many types of medication had been added to the pond. He was also unable to add strong medicine to the pond, in case the filter is affected.
The Prevention
- To always quarantine new fish no matter how healthy or hardy they look. Quarantine period should be a minimum of 1 week, to two weeks, in a mature quarantine tank. This will allow new fish to adapt to our water and chemicals, and more importantly, to kill any bacteria, fungus or parasites they may be carrying, before adding them to our pond.
- To only add new fish slowly to the pond. The specialist recommends up to 10 small fish each week. For large fish like Dorje, only one should be added at a time.
- If after a week, any fish in the quarantine tank do not look healthy, they must not be added to the pond until they recover. Their tankmates can be added to the pond safely.
- Strong medicine should never be added to the U-pond as the filter bacteria can die, leading to severe loss of fish. This type of medicine can only be added to quarantine tanks. Hence it is important to quarantine new fish.
Quarantine Tank Recipes
Quantities apply when changing water.
Tank numbers refer to the order they are placed in, when leaving the back door of haven.
TANK 1
TANK 2
TANK 3
TANK 4
Tank numbers refer to the order they are placed in, when leaving the back door of haven.
TANK 1
- Coppersafe 5ml
- Tensiongon 5ml
TANK 2
- Coppersafe 5ml
- Tensiongon 5ml
TANK 3
- Medepond 10ml
- Tensiongon 5ml
TANK 4
- S1 (3 caps)
- Salt 20ml
- Tensiongon 40ml