Blue water

phil1964

Member
I just came home with 2 new guys from a LFS.
What is the stuff they put in the water in the bag that makes the water blue?
 

demosthenes

Active Member
I've never had them put anything to make it blue before. My LFS has put in Stress-Coat, O2, and the like, but nothing that makes it blue. Maybe some mix of Formalin and Malachite Green, I know that when they're in a mix, it gives a blue tinge to the water, but I'm partially color-blind. Anyway, if it is a mixture of these, they may be attempting to supress Ich, like when some LFSs keep their tanks at a low Salinity.
 
S

simm

Guest
Who knows but dont add that water to your tank. Copper liquid is blue but as far as this being copper or copper turning your water blue Im not sure.
 

phil1964

Member
tests negative for copper.
A shrimp was also in blue water.
Just a blue tint. Next time I will ask.
As fo not putting LFS water in the tank, one fish I got, a bi-color bleney, is in a large shell. It was his home so I took it. When I add this shell there is going to be water in it. Should I drain it real quick with the fish in it before I but it in the tank or just let the little bit of water go in. The shell is half the size of my fist. It is going in a QT tank.
 

aggie05

Member
When you buy minnows for bait they usually come in a bag with blue water in it as well. I think it is just something to extend the life of the fish a little longer. And of course, you know not to add it to your tank.
 
I'm almost sure it's Formalin .It's blue and it has copper in it so don't put it in your tank .They lfs puts it in the fish bags to treat for many ailments wether it works or not is anyones best guess.
 

ophiura

Active Member
Perhaps quick cure, which is often also used as a dip for nets, in addition to an ick treatment. As always, don't pour it into your tank! :D
 

firecopemt

Member
alot of lfs use an additive that rurns the water blue. It turns the water blue, and also includes a strss coat, and a calmer to numb the fish during transport. I wouldnt put it in the tank because the calmer will "calm" everything else in your tank too.
 

phil1964

Member
Of course no LFS water in the tank.
Thanks for the replys.
Last night I had the bag hung over the edge of the tank with a algea magnet resting on it to keep it from falling in the tank.
I was across the room and saw the magnet fall and the bag slide into the tank. I made 20 feet in 3 giant leaps and saved it.
 

nightraven

Member
Sometimes my LFS places an Oxygen tablet in the bag whn I take fish home and this turns the water blue. It is to increase the amount of oxygen in he shipping water.
 

richard rendos

Active Member
maybe methlyne blue...we used to dip our freshwater nets in it. I think it is an antibacterial. but we never put anything in the bag except oxygen. we also never treated our saltwater tanks with any medications.
 

phil1964

Member
Richard Rendos
Since you replied I wanted to thank you for hooking me up with the web site where I could order those u tubes for my overflow.
I just got my order today. Everything except the tubes! They are on back order but they sent a catalogue and I think I will be ordering from them again. THANKS
 
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