Safe to put live rock back in display tank? (1 Viewer)

[SUP]

I think I have had a breakout of some type of disease in my 55 gallon tank. I have had a couple of triggerfish die as well as a damsel that recently died. The water checked out fine.

After losing the second triggerfish, I broke down the tank and put a good portion of the live rock into a 30 gallon quarantine tank along with the only remaining fish (small damsel who looked bad).
Damsel recovered in the 30 gallon tank with no meds.

The 55 gallon tank was cleaned with bleach, rinsed and rinsed again. I now have it with new filtered water and base rock (some pieces were cleaned with bleach and rinsed very well and placed back in the tank).

My question is have is regarding the live rock that was put into the 30 gallon quarantine tank. Is it safe to put this rock back into my display tank (55)? The one fish in the quarantine tank is a small three stripe damsel who appears to have recovered from his staying in the 55.

Can the live rock be cleaned and placed into the display without danger of bringing in any parasite? I never saw ich but something killed the three fish (2 triggers, 1 domino damsel) over a period of a month or so.

SUP

 

[SUP]

I will answer my own question above. I have researched and found that a lot of comments have been made that the live rock can harbor ich and other diseases. If I were to put it back into my display tank (after staying in a tank with a possibly infected in the past fish) it could move back to the display.

Better to rinse the live rock in a salt water solution put into the 55 gallon display and leave without livestock for 6-8 weeks. This should allow all diseases to die because they would have no hosts.

SUP

 

[Reefahholic]

I think you had minor ICH infestation that remained in the gills of your fish. This would be undetectable. They best way to rid this problem is to Tank Transfer all of your fish.

The remaining rock and sand that hasn't been bleached needs to sit fallow for 72 days to be almost certain it's ICH free. 72 days is the longest documented time on record that ICH was found to be alive. Although, it usually dies much quicker without a host.

Like a dumba$$, I recently added a few inverts without QTing them. So I have ICH now in my DT. Haven't had it in a long time. I'll get the stock tank out of the garage, dig a hole in the sand in one corner of the DT, and drain the tank water into stock tank. When the fish circle and swim in the low spot, I catch them with a net. It's better at night when it's pitch black sometimes- depending on the fish. Also good to have really strong pump to prevent the coral from being exposed to the air for too long. Best to turn your a/c up to 75 degrees plus. After fish are caught, quickly pump the water back into the tank. Spray the coral when you start pumping to get them wet. A lot of work, but worth it having 100% clean DT. While waiting the 72 days, observe your fish closely and deal with problems as they arise (if they arise). Also treat with PraziPro during this time. Just a good practice.

Tank Transfer:

2 tanks, 2 heaters, 2 powerheads, 1/G of bleach.

Fish in transfer tank Monday.

Transfer on every third day. Discard ALL water and use fresh each transfer. Feed heavy on TTM day. Don't feed while in 3 day period and ammonia will be fine.

TTM-Monday
TTM-Thursday
TTM-Sunday
TTM-Wednesday
TTM-Saturday- Done

Sterilize all equipment with mild bleach Solution in between transfers (cool water).

I put everything in the tank, add 1/2 cup bleach, and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Then spray out well, let it dry, and it will be ready for the next transfer on the 3rd day.


DO NOT Stop early. Go the full 72 days Fallow period with rock and sand. Be confident.





Hope this helps.

 

[Mark L.]

Reefaholic pretty much nailed it. I wouldn't reuse the rock unless you go fallow. That single fish could be enough to keep the ick alive. Good luck.

 

[SUP]

I agree. Lot's of work but the last thing I want to do is put it all back together and have ich again. And agreed, the one fish (damsel) would be the one that would keep it alive. Looks like it will take a while.

Thanks,

SUP

 

[Reefahholic]

I agree. Lot's of work but the last thing I want to do is put it all back together and have ich again. And agreed, the one fish (damsel) would be the one that would keep it alive. Looks like it will take a while.

Thanks,

SUP

I just keep myself busy with coral, anemones, and different stuff when my tank is fallow. Time goes by quick. Then ur clean. Just QT everything INCLUDING INVERTS. I never learn a lesson until it's the hard way. Taking everything slow in this hobby sucks, but is key to a successful reef with healthy fish.

 

[Reefahholic]

I'll try to do a YouTube video when drain the tank down and catch my fish. You'll see how they circle the tank and go into the deep hole I dig in the sand.

 

[SUP]

Would like to see that!

SUP