[Mark024]

I've seen some references to giving new additions (fish I mean) a precautionary freshwater dip for 3-5 mins. before introducing them to a tank. First off, do you advocate this or is it a bad idea. Second, if it works, do you use RODI water? Simple rule of higher concentration lo a lower concentration indicates that doing so would soak minerals out of fish...anyway just wondering. Also what are your experiences with the commercial dips for corals? I havent heard anything about them but have seen them for sale. Thanks.

-Mark

[dagnir]

I would have a second tank setup as a quaranteen tank with healthy water from your main tank. Acclimate the new fish to the quaranteen tank. And see how it does for 2 weeks. A freshwater dip is very stressful and only a last resort if even that. Seachem makes a dip that I have used called ParaGuard, and it seemed to work for me. But a seperate holding tank is the best. And most of the time, depending on fish size, a 10 gallon will work.

[Bughead]

I agree with dagnir. A FW dip is very stressful and should only be done as a last resort. If you get a fish from the LFS and it's healthy looking, what parasites are there to fall off during the dip? The dip would more likely be the cause of the ich outbreak rather than the prevention. I absolutely agree with a seperate QT set-up for up to a month. That way if the fish shows any signs of illness it can be treated accordingly.

If at some point you do need to do a FW dip, yes, use RO water. I mix it with enough tank water to bring the salinity up to 1.009. I don't know it that really helps the stress factor for the fish, but it makes me feel better. Make sure your temp and pH are the same as the fish's home water. I also like to use enough Methylene Blue to turn the water a deep blue. This increases the available oxygen. I've used the FW dip both successfully and unsuccessfully, but like I said, remember, only as a last resort.