F/W dipping

I'm curious to know if anyone dips there fish during acclimation before putting the fish in there DT? I'm not running a QT setup at the moment and was wondering if its a good idea to dip as an extra precaution. I know its not an alternative to a quarintine tank. I'm moving again so my new house will have a nice QT. Will it do more harm than good from stressing the fish out?

 

I think F/W dips are way to stressful to use a a preventive measure and will probably do more harm than good.

 

That's what I was thinking myself. Thanks for the reply

 

too stressful, avoid them if possible.

 

You can do a cheap 10 gallon setup for cheap in the meantime.

 

Totally agreed.

FTR, I have never dipped, drip-acclimated, or QTed anything in my life, and I have never had a fish with ich or any other problems. IMHO, it's all too stressful. The best thing you can do is set up appropriate housing for your pets, then get them in it and let them adjust. People create their own problems by fussing and pampering way too much; that's the one thing to which fish are not accustomed.

 

Someone on 3reef does, he treats with copper and freshwater dips daily for awhile, forgot who it is.

 

I only disagree in that a properly setup QT should reduce the stress of a new acquisition, not cause it more. It allows the fish to be alone and get used to its surroundings, and eat without being ambushed by the tankmates. This is the main reason I QT, avoiding disease is just another benefit of the QT.

 

The have acclimation boxes that allow you to do the same thing in the DT. They also let the old tanks mates get use to the new addition in a safe way. And you dont have to set up a new tank.

 

IMHO, FWD's can be done safely and effectively. Some fish can take to it without undue stress, others panic. If the fish shows any sign of stress, flipping, odd floating, trying to jump out, just end the test. It's not going to kill them. If the fish swims gently, or just hangs out they are ok to continue. No more than 10 minutes. Once a day for 2 or three days. Ditch water after each session, match temp, and ph and be sure to have surface agitation, or air stone. A five gallon bucket from home depot works great. Good luck.

But cupramine will work good too, for Ich and Marine Velvet if you are unsure about dipping.