Donating Filter Media

[sneezy]

My filter has only been cycled a few weeks. Its a fluval 3+ with 3 foam sponges. would it be of any use to donate a 1/4 of one of of my sponges to my sisters tank.

She is a terrible fishkeeper (my family all think I'm OTT about fish care) and has just phoned and described what sounds like ammonia burns. I'm thinking if i can donate a little it may help her cycle along but obviously don't want to mess mine up.

Also not sure if i have enough bacteria yet although its pretty gunky


any advice would be appreciated. Am going round there later with my test kit and stern i told you so look

 

[tangokitty]

I'm really not sure your media is old enough, what does your ammonnia test at? Tell her to do a large water change today then a smalled one every day and have the water tested till the ammonia is 0. You can try giving her some of your media, but the water changes will also help a lot. Good luck!!!

 

[Rooster]

Your media is still a little young - there will be beneficial bacteria in there, and Im sure it would help her cause.... but loosing it from yours may cause a "mini cycle" so I wouldnt take that risk....

 

[sneezy]

ok, thanks for your replies.

I've been round and her fish has got ammonia burns. I did a 60% change and her levels are now Ammon 0.25 and nitrite 0.25. She has agreed to rehouse her big fish to a pond asap (they are goldies) and i said i will do enough changes to get her levels to zero tomorrow then she has to do daily changes (which i know she won't *sigh*) but at least i've done what i can.

anyway a question - I know you can't cure ammonia burns but is there a treatment to help alleviate the symptoms? Is it melafix?

If so, i will get some.

Many Thanks

 

[waterdrop]

Sounds like a really nice thing you're doing sneezy. People will often think that good fishkeeping is over the top. Family can seem especially resistant sometimes but I find also that you can also be surprised at times - they will seem resistant or not interested but very gradually some of what you do will rub off or they will become curious or they will begin to see some of the good results. I suspect if you are persistent and have good humor about it, you may be lucky and see some changes gradually.

 

[vinylman]

Once the gills are damaged, it's irreversible, unfortunately. That's something that people who cycle fish-in seem to overlook. Yes, the fish may survive the cycle, but the damage is done. It may not kill them, but they'll always have the after effects.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Once the gills are damaged, it's irreversible, unfortunately. That's something that people who cycle fish-in seem to overlook. Yes, the fish may survive the cycle, but the damage is done. It may not kill them, but they'll always have the after effects.

sadly i know first hand the damage the permanent damage this can cause.

 

[sneezy]

ok one goldie is now in the pond. Noticed when i was there that her filter isn't working properly so went and got a replacement, transferred the media and now she has a very small fancy goldie in a 2.5 gallon tank (I know, I know!) with brand new filter. The stats are now ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 20.

Not ideal but better than 2.5 gallon tank with small fancy goldie, 4 inch goldie and crap filter. Anyway she has promised to try and 50% water change every 2 days and I will go weekly with my test kit and do some more water changes.