Hospital Tank Question

[gforce17]

I've just read your very helpful page about setting up a hospital tank ( after putting the turkey in for 5 hours). Can I ask if the tank filter needs to be cycled for the length of time it takes a normal set up or do you use water from the main tank? Thanks.

 

[KittyKat]

The amount of nitrifying bacteria in water is insignificant, the vast majority of the bacteria are on the filter media. In other words, yes, the filter needs to be cycled to have any effect on ammonia and nitrite.

Obviously it is not convenient to cycle it every time you need to use the tank because it would take 4-8+ weeks to prepare it, so one of the most common solutions is to keep the sponge for the quarantine/hospital tank inside the normal filter, or run it in parallel on the main tank. Remember that after using a filter in a hospital tank, you may need to disinfect it properly, especially if the fish which was being treated did not survive!

 

[gforce17]

I see thanks!


What would you use to disinfect the sponge?

 

[CezzaXV]

Other people may say differently, but I'd say some boiling water should do the trick.

 

[KittyKat]

I use a very mild bleach solution, then wash, then spirit vinegar to neutralise the bleach, then wash again. Boiling them in the same way as would be used for baby things should work too, although I have never tried that.

 

[gforce17]

Have I heard somewhere that potassium permanganate is a disinfectant as well as a treatment?

 

[gforce17]

Can't see my aquarium for wrapping paper!!

 

[KittyKat]

Have I heard somewhere that potassium permanganate is a disinfectant as well as a treatment?

Yes, you have, but I can't tell you what doses for aquarium stuff, although I can tell you what my grandma used to give me to soak bruises in when I was little

 

[Col1957]

General Tonic from NTLabs also claims to be a disinfectant and is said to be safe for filters, just removes the infections. I have used it against white spot in my tank and all went well,,,,,,,,well so far anyway

 

[Col1957]

Have I heard somewhere that potassium permanganate is a disinfectant as well as a treatment?

I remember many years ago when i was a boy , my uncle used potassium permanganate for white spot but i do not know what the dosage was. Well that is what i remember him telling me