How to disinfect tank/equipment?

[abcdomo 59]

Recently my tank has seemed to dwindle due to my fish getting sick with something I am not sure of and dying..I have three fish out of four left not including the algae eater and two of the fish aren't looking too good. I've been doing waterchanges more frequently and have started them on meds yesterday, but I think it might be too late since whatever it is seems to be progressing fast..I took my water in to be tested at a local fish store and took pictures in to get advice(I did test it myself at home, but the person recommended that I should bring some water in so they could test it also). Turns out and just like I figured, my water is perfect and safe..No clue what is happening, but I'm hoping for the best..I was wondering though how can I disinfect all of my stuff to make sure this doesn't happen again or if I do decide to restock my tank.

[Daniel 5,668]

Bleach solution is what I'd use (ratio of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water), but others like to use PP.

[shakaho 6,312]

Would you please fill out the d/d form for us.  If we can figure out what ails your fish, we may be able to help.  

 

 

Please copy & paste fill the following form and fill it out to the best of your ability when requesting help for Goldfish Problems:

• Test Results for the Following:
  • * Ammonia Level(Tank)
  • * Nitrite Level(Tank)
  • * Nitrate level(Tank)
  • * Ammonia Level(Tap)
  • * Nitrite Level(Tap)
  • * Nitrate level(Tap)
  • * Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)
  • * Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)
  • Other Required Info:
    • * Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops?
    • * Water temperature?
    • * Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?
    • * What is the name and "size of the filter"(s)?
    • * How often do you change the water and how much?

• * How many days ago was the last water change and how much did you change?
• * How many fish in the tank and their size?
• * What kind of water additives or conditioners?
• * What do you feed your fish and how often?
• * Any new fish added to the tank?
• * Any medications added to the tank?
• * List entire medication/treatment history for fish and tank. Please include salt, Prazi, PP, etc and the approximate time and duration of treatment.
• * Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?
• * Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.?
•  

 

You really should have your own test kit.  You can get the API Freshwater Master Kit for a very reasonable price on Amazon.

Edited July 11, 2015 by shakaho

[abcdomo 59]

Would you please fill out the d/d form for us.  If we can figure out what ails your fish, we may be able to help.  

 

 

Please copy & paste fill the following form and fill it out to the best of your ability when requesting help for Goldfish Problems:

• Test Results for the Following:
  • * Ammonia Level(Tank)
  • * Nitrite Level(Tank)
  • * Nitrate level(Tank)
  • * Ammonia Level(Tap)
  • * Nitrite Level(Tap)
  • * Nitrate level(Tap)
  • * Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)
  • * Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)
  • Other Required Info:
    • * Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops?
    • * Water temperature?
    • * Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?
    • * What is the name and "size of the filter"(s)?
    • * How often do you change the water and how much?

• * How many days ago was the last water change and how much did you change?
• * How many fish in the tank and their size?
• * What kind of water additives or conditioners?
• * What do you feed your fish and how often?
• * Any new fish added to the tank?
• * Any medications added to the tank?
• * List entire medication/treatment history for fish and tank. Please include salt, Prazi, PP, etc and the approximate time and duration of treatment.
• * Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?
• * Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.?
•  

 

You really should have your own test kit.  You can get the API Freshwater Master Kit for a very reasonable price on Amazon.

I do have my own test kit and mentioned that I tested the water at home myself. Nothing seems to be showing up in the tests, but i'm now down to one fish. I've never had a issue with my tank in the last three years and not sure what's going on. I'm still going to continue  treating the last fish and hope it's not too late for him.

Edited July 11, 2015 by abcdomo

[Arctic Mama 3,627]

I have used both bleach and PP - either works. Really.

[DieselPlower 2,123]

It is impossible for nothing to show up if the tests are done correctly. You will have either ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, or a combination of them.

What are you treating them for? Has anyone been helping you?

Edited July 11, 2015 by DieselPlower

[bagh 199]

I'm sorry about your poor fishes. How is the last one doing right now? Best wishes so that he pulls through.

I'm sure experts would help you diagnose the underlying cause of this problem.

 

As for the disinfecting part, I use Methylene blue, until the water (of course without fishes) turns deep blue to black under normal lighting, soak it for 5-6 hours, rinse repeatedly, until there is a very faint colour left in the water that you add. Keep in mind that Potassium Permanganate, Methylene blue, Malachite Green, all are potent stains and will stain your silicone sealant.

Edited July 11, 2015 by bagho

[shakaho 6,312]

It is impossible for nothing to show up if the tests are done correctly. You will have either ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, or a combination of them.

What are you treating them for? Has anyone been helping you?

Whaaaattt?  Where did you get that information?  I get those readings out of my ponds regularly.  So do plenty of other people -- in their ponds and tanks.

 

 

You really should have your own test kit.  You can get the API Freshwater Master Kit for a very reasonable price on Amazon.

I do have my own test kit and mentioned that I tested the water at home myself. Nothing seems to be showing up in the tests, but i'm now down to one fish. I've never had a issue with my tank in the last three years and not sure what's going on. I'm still going to continue  treating the last fish and hope it's not too late for him.

 

I'm sorry, I read that you had taken a sample in for testing and just assumed you had no kit.  This in spite of the fact that you immediately said you had been test at home.  

[DieselPlower 2,123]

It is impossible for nothing to show up if the tests are done correctly. You will have either ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, or a combination of them.

What are you treating them for? Has anyone been helping you?

Whaaaattt?  Where did you get that information?  I get those readings out of my ponds regularly.  So do plenty of other people -- in their ponds and tanks.

 

You really should have your own test kit.  You can get the API Freshwater Master Kit for a very reasonable price on Amazon.

I do have my own test kit and mentioned that I tested the water at home myself. Nothing seems to be showing up in the tests, but i'm now down to one fish. I've never had a issue with my tank in the last three years and not sure what's going on. I'm still going to continue  treating the last fish and hope it's not too late for him.

I'm sorry, I read that you had taken a sample in for testing and just assumed you had no kit.  This in spite of the fact that you immediately said you had been test at home.  

I have never seen a person with 5 fish in an aquarium show 0 for everything unless a water change was just done. Sure, my pond also reads 0 on everything but it is huge and stocked closer to 50 gallons per fish.

[abcdomo 59]

I clean my tank every week and tend to test it here and there to make sure everything is looking good. I tend to keep up with the water changes hence why this whole situation is confusing. The newest thing in my tank is a filter and the algae eater but i've had them for about 2 months now. At the moment my last fish is still eating so I think that's a good sign, he is still bottom sitting though and occasionally moves here and there..He definitely looks better than what the other fish did..He does have a bit of white on his tail fins, but it doesn't look fuzzy or anything.

[abcdomo 59]

Also his dorsal fin isn't clamped anymore:)