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I have some tank ornaments that have been in a parasite infested tank....but the tank has been treated several times (if that even matters) anyways there is still parasites in this tank, but the question I am getting to is what do I have to do with the tank ornaments to get rid of the parsites so that they can be put in another tank? I really need quick answers if possible ....thnx guys

Hi,

Sorry this isn't very quick, but I just saw this post...

Anyway, try using the three Bs - boil, bake and bleach.

Boil them in water, then try baking them in an oven at a high temperature and if you're still worried, soak them for a few mintues in a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to 19 parts water, something like that?) If you chose to bleach them, make sure to rinse them off really well in a water bath treated with a double or triple shot of decholorinator. The bleaching part may not even be necessary though. It depends on what kind of ornaments. if they're plastic, then you obviously can't bake them or they'll melt. In that case you may need to do a bleach solution, a good rinse, and then watch the fish in the new tank for anything. Just in case, I don't think it could hurt to treat the water for a few days with something like metronidazole.

What kind of parasites, internal or external?

Last edited by NowherMan6 at 29-Jul-2005 16:29

---

Back in the saddle!

they are plastic so I will do a diluted bleach bath I guess....ummm we got rid of the parasites that inhabit the gills of the fish (internal).....but the external ones are still in the tank.



Thanks for the reply

Hi,
Personally, I think you are wasting your time. Unless the
ornaments are dirty and need cleaning, there is no sense
in what you are doing.

If you know the specific parasite that you are trying to
eliminate, do a websearch on it in relation to aquariums
and its elimination.

If you don't know the specific critter, think about the
average life cycle of any parasite:
They have an egg stage in
which they lay on the gravel between the grains and reach
an stage where they hatch. At that point they become free
swimming and are vunerable to any medications that you put
in the tank. Next, they attach themselves to a host and
cause the chaos to the fish. Once they have sated themselves
they fall off and die. Somewhere in all that they
produce eggs that lie in the gravel and start the cycle
over again. I'm a geologist not a biologist.
The only time that they are susceptible to the medications
is during the free swimming stage. Instructions on every
parasite medication instructs you to raise the temperature
of the water and treat for a minimum of two weeks (longer
on some). The idea is that by raising the temperature you
accellerate their life cycle and kill them all off.

Honestly, I suspect that you are shortening the two weeks,
forgetting to remove the carbon from the filter, not raising
the temperature, or not dosing correctly.

The parasite HAS to have a host to complete it's cycle.
Take all your fish out and put then in a "Q" tank. Then,
let the main tank sit completly fishless while you treat
the fish in the "Q" tank. OR, simply treat in the main
tank, but keep the treatments going for at least as long
as the medication recommends.

Frank


Last edited by FRANK at 29-Jul-2005 17:12

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I didn't ask how to get rid of the parasites in the tank itself....thats my parents problem not mine, however I do want to put some of their ornaments in my tank and was asking what precautions to take so that I myself do not inherit those parasites in my tank as well....... so before you waste your time writing a huge reply ( even though it could serve some purpose to someone else) try reading the post a bit more carefully

If you cannot boil, bake or bleach them, then it's better to buy new ornaments &amp; don't take any risks.

If i where you, i would also try what Frank said &amp; i don't think that he was wasting his time. I think that i learned alot from Frank's posts.



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Last edited by jasonpisani at 30-Jul-2005 00:02

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Well now, There are several people in here who's posts are NEVER a waste of time and Frank's in near the top of that list. He always have valuable information and is just trying to be as helpful as possible. I too have learned much from his posts and hope to learn more. Thanks for the help given time after time, Frank./:'

justkeepswimming

You probably will not like my suggestions either there is only 100% way of not introducing any nasties into your tank.

Just dont introduce them at all.

This is the only safe way.

Go and buy some new ones they are usually very cheap.

If you tank gets infected because of the introduction of some thing which could carry an infection and you could have prevented it by spending a little money. It will be nothing in comparison to the loss of fish and the medications you will have to buy any way.

Its your decision.
Keith

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Justkeepswimming,
you might be best in taking someone's advice who has been taking care of fish for a long time (sorry frank, about the age reference). And if you aren't going to care about your parents fish, then stay away from their tank, and take keith's advice, go buy your own...that way you don't "risk" contaminating your tank. I'm sorry if I sound ugly but think about it, maybe you could help with the folks tank a bit, and help get rid of the problem, they might appreciate it. And let's face it fish are fish, and in my opinion i don't care who's fish they are I want them taken care of.
houston

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle