Apologies for all the questions lately... I've been doing some reading on cross contamination here, and I'm thinking of adding some new fish to my tank.
I'm curious, does cross contamination only occur when mixing discus from different sources, or can it also happen when you mix discus with other types of fish? How likely is it to happen, really? I'm considering adding some cleanup crews to my tank, and I also might bring in more discus from different sources in the future.
Thanks in advance!
General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Hi Mixes, cross contamination isn't limited to just discus from different sources or mixing discus with other fish types. It can occur when you introduce any aquatic organisms from different sources into the same tank, including fish, invertebrates, and even plants. To minimize the risk, I'd recommend checking out this thread - http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...uestions/page6, specifically Post 88. Al shares some valuable advice on the topic.
Hi Mixes, cross contamination isn't limited to just discus from different sources or mixing discus with other fish types. It can occur when you introduce any aquatic organisms from different sources into the same tank, including fish, invertebrates, and even plants. To minimize the risk, I'd recommend checking out this thread - http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...uestions/page6, specifically Post 88. Al shares some valuable advice on the topic.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Thanks Pat, I really appreciate the info. Cross contamination is a lot more widespread than I thought - I mean, it's not just fish, right? So, if I'm introducing a couple of BN plecos to my tank, I guess I should take some precautions to minimize the risk. Is it overkill, though? I'm thinking of just adding a couple, not a whole bunch of new fish.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
James, no worries on the questions, this place is for sharing knowledge after all.
I didn't go through the whole post Pat linked, but I'd like to add that proximity can also be a contaminant issue. Having a quarantine tank helps, but I'm guessing that's still a factor for me - probably why I rarely hit the full 6 weeks of QT.
I recall wilde mentioning that he's not too concerned about issues from other fish species, likening it to not worrying about catching a cold from his dog. Found that interesting, especially since we often discuss how other fish can carry pathogens that might be problematic.
James, no worries on the questions, this place is for sharing knowledge after all.
I didn't go through the whole post Pat linked, but I'd like to add that proximity can also be a contaminant issue. Having a quarantine tank helps, but I'm guessing that's still a factor for me - probably why I rarely hit the full 6 weeks of QT.
I recall wilde mentioning that he's not too concerned about issues from other fish species, likening it to not worrying about catching a cold from his dog. Found that interesting, especially since we often discuss how other fish can carry pathogens that might be problematic.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
That a great post Pat! Thanks for the information. Is that a bit of overkill for adding a couple of BN plecos I wonder....
You're welcome James, I just want to stress that proper quarantine is key. If you don't do it right, you might wish you'd taken the extra precautions.
That a great post Pat! Thanks for the information. Is that a bit of overkill for adding a couple of BN plecos I wonder....
You're welcome James, I just want to stress that proper quarantine is key. If you don't do it right, you might wish you'd taken the extra precautions.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
I'm probably in the minority here, but I've never been too concerned about introducing domestically bred tankmates to my Discus tank. I've been keeping Discus since 2001 and, touch wood, I've never had any major issues.
I'm probably in the minority here, but I've never been too concerned about introducing domestically bred tankmates to my Discus tank. I've been keeping Discus since 2001 and, touch wood, I've never had any major issues.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
I've had some great experiences with Discus from certain breeders - Hans and Kenny's fish never needed quarantine. I also added some of Al's home-bred SS's to my own home-bred Discus around the same age, and everything went smoothly. However, I'd be cautious with Asian Discus from other sellers. German-bred or domestically bred offspring from home-bred parents seem like a safer bet to me.
I've had some great experiences with Discus from certain breeders - Hans and Kenny's fish never needed quarantine. I also added some of Al's home-bred SS's to my own home-bred Discus around the same age, and everything went smoothly. However, I'd be cautious with Asian Discus from other sellers. German-bred or domestically bred offspring from home-bred parents seem like a safer bet to me.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
I'm willing to admit I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to my discus. I've paid a pretty penny for them, and I only feel at ease knowing I've taken every precaution. My first batch of discus was a mix from two different suppliers, and let's just say it was a costly lesson - I lost around $300-$500 worth of juvies. The primary takeaway was to avoid mixing sources, but even if I were to get them from the same supplier, I'd still QT. I've got the means to care for them if they do get sick, and I've got a whole arsenal of meds at my disposal - more than my mother-in-law has in her own cabinet, I'm pretty sure. If you do decide to skip QT, just make sure you're prepared for the worst - stock up on meds and be proactive.
I'm willing to admit I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to my discus. I've paid a pretty penny for them, and I only feel at ease knowing I've taken every precaution. My first batch of discus was a mix from two different suppliers, and let's just say it was a costly lesson - I lost around $300-$500 worth of juvies. The primary takeaway was to avoid mixing sources, but even if I were to get them from the same supplier, I'd still QT. I've got the means to care for them if they do get sick, and I've got a whole arsenal of meds at my disposal - more than my mother-in-law has in her own cabinet, I'm pretty sure. If you do decide to skip QT, just make sure you're prepared for the worst - stock up on meds and be proactive.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
The only Discus I got that did not need QT were ones from Hans and Kenny. Several months ago I added a group of Al's home bred SS's to some of my home bred's of around the same age. No problems there either. I would be wary of any other sellers of Asian Discus. I wouldn't worry about German's or Domestically bred offspring from home bred's.
I've had similar experiences. I've only purchased from Kenny. His quarantine process before sale gives me confidence. I've added new Kenny fish to previous ones without quarantine and haven't had any issues. If I were to buy from a local fish store, I'd definitely quarantine first.
The only Discus I got that did not need QT were ones from Hans and Kenny. Several months ago I added a group of Al's home bred SS's to some of my home bred's of around the same age. No problems there either. I would be wary of any other sellers of Asian Discus. I wouldn't worry about German's or Domestically bred offspring from home bred's.
I've had similar experiences. I've only purchased from Kenny. His quarantine process before sale gives me confidence. I've added new Kenny fish to previous ones without quarantine and haven't had any issues. If I were to buy from a local fish store, I'd definitely quarantine first.
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
Re: General Questions: Cross Contamination
I learned the hard way that it's better to be safe than sorry. Resist the temptation to cut corners when you're new to this. I recently lost 4 out of 5 discus I got from a supplier I'd used before. What led to the problems I saw isn't entirely clear, but the bottom line is you never really know how new fish will react to their new environment. I had them in a QT tank with seasoned filter media from a bristlenose tank, which might have caused a mini-cycle. They might have been stressed from leftover pathogens or trouble adjusting to different water parameters. Travel stress and potential health issues they brought with them didn't help. I didn't start having problems until more than 2 weeks in. I tried treating them in different ways, probably making things worse, and lost about $250-$300 worth of discus. If I'd mixed them with my adults from the start, I could have lost fish I've had for a year and a half. Instead, after 8 weeks, including some time with a hero fish, the sole survivor made it to the big tank with no issues. My adults are all fine, and I even have a pair laying eggs and tending wigglers in a breeding tank. So, be prepared for anything. Get your discus settled in before you do anything else. Once they're well-adjusted, they can be pretty tough.
I learned the hard way that it's better to be safe than sorry. Resist the temptation to cut corners when you're new to this. I recently lost 4 out of 5 discus I got from a supplier I'd used before. What led to the problems I saw isn't entirely clear, but the bottom line is you never really know how new fish will react to their new environment. I had them in a QT tank with seasoned filter media from a bristlenose tank, which might have caused a mini-cycle. They might have been stressed from leftover pathogens or trouble adjusting to different water parameters. Travel stress and potential health issues they brought with them didn't help. I didn't start having problems until more than 2 weeks in. I tried treating them in different ways, probably making things worse, and lost about $250-$300 worth of discus. If I'd mixed them with my adults from the start, I could have lost fish I've had for a year and a half. Instead, after 8 weeks, including some time with a hero fish, the sole survivor made it to the big tank with no issues. My adults are all fine, and I even have a pair laying eggs and tending wigglers in a breeding tank. So, be prepared for anything. Get your discus settled in before you do anything else. Once they're well-adjusted, they can be pretty tough.