I got my meds I ordered Saturday in today from ACO. Man that was fast for regular shipping! No sick fish at this time but ordered enough to treat both tanks and to keep some on hand for quarantine tank and emergencies. There’s no telling how much ferts and meds I’ve tossed from my aquariums years ago. Some may have been ok but 12+ years old was just too big a chance to take imo. I got Maracyn, Ick-x, Paracleanse, and Expel-P. I plan on dosing them next Saturday after my weekly 50% wc. At least the first 3 that is. But I have some questions to make sure I don’t mess up. I’ve read up on here and the store site first.
Malawi tank-72g
Ammonia-0
Nitite-0
Nitrate- 20 or less due to ferts, close to 0 if not using them
Ph-8.1
Kh- 17
Gh- 13
Temp-81-82
SA Blackwater tank-29g
Same as above but
Gh-3
Temp-78
This one is just getting started. Cycled but need to lower ph. Hopefully tannins from wood will help but not yet.
Tap water
No ammonia, nitrites or nitrates
Ph-8.1
Kh-240ppm
Gh- 35.8ppm
1-It says clean all filters first. I’ve never cleaned all at the same time. I run at least 2 on any tank so I can alternate and let one catch up on bb before cleaning the other. I’d think meds would kill anything bad in filters as well as in the tank but maybe it’s necessary? Just hate to risk crashing cycle.
2- After 1 week and the 25% wc, is it ok to resume my 50% change for the 2 week rest before the second dosing? Or just check water and only change minimum according to results? I could probably easily go 2 weeks or longer with same water. I just do it to provide fresh water. I’m asking because package says no water changes but ACO says a little different procedure.
3- It says I can dose all 3 at the same time but is it easier on fish (?) to do separately as it’s just a precaution because these were all put in together after tank was cycled. Just don’t want to quarantine any new ones later and then put ‘clean’ fish into a tank that may have something already in it. Kinda defeats the quarantine procedure imho. 4- Package says Ph 6.5-7.6. Is my 8.1 a problem?
5- Package says it can kill bb? Should I abandon doing tanks and just try and catch any sick fish if and when, and treat in quarantine tank? I was trying to be proactive but after reading packaging now I’m leery! If I lose some from cleaning filters and meds get the rest, it sounds bad!
That’s all I can think of for now. Thanks to all of you for all the help you’ve given and any now and in the future.