Hyposalinity Question

[big_al]

I'm establishing a QT as described per Beth's thread at the top of the forum and was wondering .... if a hyposalinity treatment would kill any live sand and rock in a tank, why would it not also kill all of the biological filtration of QT?

 

[al mc]

It will not kill of the 'good' bacteria needed for the continuation of the nitrogen cycle. Bacteria are not susceptible to the osmotic shock of hyposalinity. Unfortunately, ,many other microscopic/macroscopic critters are. If you use hyposalinity and have live rock and/or sand present you will get some die off and a small (hopefully not a large) ammonia release from the die off. This is why many people do not hypo their DTs and resort to use of a QT. In the QT people may put a small amount of LS or LR to help establish a biologic cycle.

 

[sepulatian]

If you are cycling the tank with live rock, the rock needs to be removed before you begin hyposalinity. The die off on the rock is often significant. Biological bacteria does not die in hyposalinity, as Al mentioned.

 

[big_al]

Thanks gents --- I cycled my QT without any livestock and now that I put my first fish in (new purchase), the nitrates shot up 20ppm and nitrites to 1.0. Ammonia is holding at 0. I did remove the live rock that I used to start the cycle but this recent spike made me start to question the process.
I plan on waiting until the tank re-cycles before I start the hypo.

 

[al mc]

Al, IMO the cycling (or lack of it) in the QT tanks is a source of frustration. I
have had past problems like yours and found that I had to be ready with large water changes and/or the use of a product like Amquel plus that is a short term fix for climbing ammonia or nitrites.
I feel your plan is sound to stabilize the nitrogen cycle before progressing to hyposalinity.

 

[big_al]

Thanks Al --- I did a 25% water change a few days ago (it's a 20 gal DT) using water from my DT for the replacement and added Stress Zyme to boost the bacteria. I'll do the same tomorrow and just try to keep the parameters until control. I'm sure glad I invested in a RO/DI filter.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Big_Al
http:///forum/post/2539560
Thanks gents --- I cycled my QT without any livestock and now that I put my first fish in (new purchase), the nitrates shot up 20ppm and nitrites to 1.0. Ammonia is holding at 0. I did remove the live rock that I used to start the cycle but this recent spike made me start to question the process.
I plan on waiting until the tank re-cycles before I start the hypo.
What fish did you buy? The fact that you never saw ammonia, and have nitrites and nitrate, means that the tank is mostly cycled. Do a few water changes to get the nitrites down, but they will not burn the gills of your fish like ammonia would have. Is your fish ill?

 

[big_al]

I bought a Coral Beauty and it appears to be in fine health. After the bout of Ick I had earlier this year, I wanted to QT the fish before introducing it to my DT. I have never tried to hypo a fish before so I figure this is a good time to try the technique.