Terry/Beth/JwTrojan44 - Hypo Question

[cayman isl]

Good Morning,
I have some damsels in a 20 gallon QT, (been in for 1.5 weeks) and they are now showing signs of ick. I am going to start hypo. I have 15 gallons of salt free RO water that has been sitting for 48 hours.
I know to lower the salinity over 48 hours, but would like your opinions on how much water to change each time? Should I do 2 or 3 gallon changes every 8 hours or so? Maybe five gallons first and then lower the water change amounts after that?
Also, once the hypo session is done (3 or 4 weeks) how should I go about reintroducing saltwater? A couple gallons every day for the final week until it hits the correct level?
Thanks for your help,

 

[beth]

I think small, but several incremental changes are better. In a 20 gal, take 4-5 gals of water at a time [or drop the water to above water intakes from filters up to 4-5gals], then start adding fresh water slowly a gallon at a time. In other words, don't just dump a gal in. Pour it in slowly so that the water has a bit of time to mix up. After you get done with a gal, wait an hr. If your fish are doing fine after replacing 3-5 gals of salt water with fresh, then continue with the process, otherwise, slow it down.

 

[cayman isl]

Thanks Beth,
I'll drop the level to the just above the intake, should be 3 or 4 gallons, replenish a little at a time, and just continue diluting that way until I hit the 1.009 SG.

 

[beth]

Happy bucket hauling!

 

[cayman isl]

Funny, I was just headed back in with another 2 gallons when I saw your post....
So far so good, salinity is down to 1.018 after only a 3 gallon change.
...of course the fish now look great, no more scratching and no spots! Sneaky little parasites aren't they! guess the're trying to trick me!

 

[beth]

Yes, they are trying to trick you. So many hobbyists are tricked by ich, you'd be amazed....but you know better. That's pretty steep drop! Remember not too fast.