Flukes Prevention

[baobao]

Is the freshwater procedure you recommend during acclimation sufficient to prevent flukes from being introduced into the main system?

If not, I am thinking of the following -
1) freshwater dip as you suggest
2) introduction to quarantine tank using hypo (prophylactic to ich and not stressful as copper)
3) prophylactic treatment for flukes using prazipro( which people seem to highly recommend)

i guess 3) is not necessary if you believe that 1) is sufficient to eliminate any flukes?

[leebca]

There is no concern from my perspective that, if the quarantine process lasts as long as recommended, in a QT as also recommended, that any fluke condition would show itself. That is, no need to take any prophylactic action.

I understand the desire to rid marine fish of diseases before they enter the display system, but the treatment of fish that aren't ill is something I don't support, except in three exceptions.

The FW bath process will kill some species of flukes; some within a certain species; but not all necessarily within the species and not always all species. "Fluke" is a very large group of organisms.

It may appear like a good plan, but other than the dozen or so parasites and diseases addressed, what will be done about the other hundred or so that they could have?

The best approach, to deal with any 'ringer' or potential pathogen and/or parasite, is a full length (time) quarantine process, in 'normal' saltwater; close observation; then treat for anything that shows itself, as needed.

[baobao]

During the quarantine process, does it matter whether fish are kept at low salinity (1.017 specific gravity) or hypo (1.008) versus normal salinity around 1.020? i thought that the lower salinity makes it easier for fish to breath, and even 1.008 is not stressful to fish?

[leebca]

One very important symptom of an infected fish is how they breath. The fact is, the hobbyist is looking to see if there is any stress on the fish. If the fish is kept at a low salinity so that the stress would be hidden, this can be misleading to the extent that something stressing the fish is actually missed.

Treat fish when they need treating. Keep everything normal so you can tell if the fish is abnormal in behavior. ;)

There is really only one improvement to the quarantine process as hobbyists perform it and that is the process used by professional aquarists. The fish are scraped, gill clipped, and fin clipped to identify all parasites and pathogens on the fish. If suspect, blood is also drawn as well as fecal matter collected. The fish are then treated for what has been diagnosed by these labs. Even then, after the treatment, the fish remain in quarantine for the full time in case something is missed.

I don't think the way we perform the quarantine process is likely to be improved in the next few decades. One of the most important features of the current quarantine process is that it works, when the hobbyist is diligent.