Re: Discus pest
Alfredo, I think you know that mixing discus from different sources can be done safely, but it requires a proper quarantine process. In my case, I keep my QT tank in a separate room, with its own water change equipment, nets, and other tools to prevent cross-contamination. I'm currently on the lookout for a new fish to add to my line of blue SS's, but I haven't found the quality I'm looking for yet. When I do, I'll make sure to follow the right procedures to avoid any issues.
I've never heard about the connection between Tubifex and the discus plague before, although I've always known that they can carry diseases. I assumed it was because some Tubifex were collected from contaminated water sources. Can you tell me more about the Tubifex that were thought to have caused the illness? Were they live or freeze-dried? Were they farm-raised or collected from wild populations?
Discus Plague
Re: Discus Plague
Re: Discus pest
Quarantine can be a nightmare - one tiny water drop from an infected tank can contaminate an entire room. I've learned that the hard way. You need two completely separate rooms, no sharing of nets or equipment, and sanitizing your hands every time you touch anything. The problem is, even when a discus appears to have recovered, it can still be infectious. I've seen it time and time again.
As for the tubifex, I'm convinced that's the culprit. I've observed it for three years - the plague always comes back in winter, but only in breeders who feed their discus with tubifex. There's no other connection between them; they don't exchange fish, they don't visit each other. My solution? Feed them with sea water worms instead.
Quarantine can be a nightmare - one tiny water drop from an infected tank can contaminate an entire room. I've learned that the hard way. You need two completely separate rooms, no sharing of nets or equipment, and sanitizing your hands every time you touch anything. The problem is, even when a discus appears to have recovered, it can still be infectious. I've seen it time and time again.
As for the tubifex, I'm convinced that's the culprit. I've observed it for three years - the plague always comes back in winter, but only in breeders who feed their discus with tubifex. There's no other connection between them; they don't exchange fish, they don't visit each other. My solution? Feed them with sea water worms instead.
Re: Discus Plague
Re: Discus Plague
I'm with you on the CC risks - it's a minefield. Those unnoticed water droplets can be a ticking time bomb, lingering for hours until you shower and change. And let's not even consider the possibility of aquatic viruses spreading like COVID - that's a whole new level of isolation.
Quarantine strategies are always on my mind, especially when sourcing from multiple suppliers. I'm curious, what's everyone's approach? I've heard of using a hero fish or two in a separate tank, but the duration of quarantine is a grey area - 30, 45, 60, or 90 days? And what about prophylactic treatments? I'm aware of Al's recommendations, but they're a bit outdated. Have you guys found a better way?
And what about sourcing from the same supplier? Do you guys change your approach in that case?
I'm with you on the CC risks - it's a minefield. Those unnoticed water droplets can be a ticking time bomb, lingering for hours until you shower and change. And let's not even consider the possibility of aquatic viruses spreading like COVID - that's a whole new level of isolation.
Quarantine strategies are always on my mind, especially when sourcing from multiple suppliers. I'm curious, what's everyone's approach? I've heard of using a hero fish or two in a separate tank, but the duration of quarantine is a grey area - 30, 45, 60, or 90 days? And what about prophylactic treatments? I'm aware of Al's recommendations, but they're a bit outdated. Have you guys found a better way?
And what about sourcing from the same supplier? Do you guys change your approach in that case?
Re: Discus Plague
Re: Discus Plague
I've had my fair share of battles with the plague, experiencing it 3 or 4 times, with the worst being a complete wipeout in the late 80's, followed by a few lighter cases in the 90's. I recall receiving a pair of discus out of quarantine and placing them in their own tank. This pair had been isolated for about a year, until I had to leave for vacation and had someone take care of the water changes and feeding. That's when disaster struck, and the plague spread throughout the entire fish room. What's interesting is that all my discus were tank-raised by me, except for that particular pair, which I later found out had been in contact with the virus prior to being given to me. It just goes to show that even after a year, the virus can still be present, hidden and waiting to strike.
I've had my fair share of battles with the plague, experiencing it 3 or 4 times, with the worst being a complete wipeout in the late 80's, followed by a few lighter cases in the 90's. I recall receiving a pair of discus out of quarantine and placing them in their own tank. This pair had been isolated for about a year, until I had to leave for vacation and had someone take care of the water changes and feeding. That's when disaster struck, and the plague spread throughout the entire fish room. What's interesting is that all my discus were tank-raised by me, except for that particular pair, which I later found out had been in contact with the virus prior to being given to me. It just goes to show that even after a year, the virus can still be present, hidden and waiting to strike.
Re: Discus Plague
Re: Discus Plague
That's a sad story, Cliff. It's a harsh reminder of why I've grown weary. I suppose it's the "Liz Plague" that keeps me going.
My own experience with the plague was nothing short of devastating. The few fish that managed to survive were left sterile, their growth stunted. I tried every medication under the sun, but it seemed like every time one issue was resolved, another would arise.
It all started with an auction for NADA. I hadn't even wanted the fish, and to be honest, I've never been a fan of PB's. I had only purchased tickets to support the club, so I don't blame them for what happened. The fish themselves were of high quality, and the exporter had supposedly been vetted by the community. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I suppose that's just the nature of this hobby.
That's a sad story, Cliff. It's a harsh reminder of why I've grown weary. I suppose it's the "Liz Plague" that keeps me going.
My own experience with the plague was nothing short of devastating. The few fish that managed to survive were left sterile, their growth stunted. I tried every medication under the sun, but it seemed like every time one issue was resolved, another would arise.
It all started with an auction for NADA. I hadn't even wanted the fish, and to be honest, I've never been a fan of PB's. I had only purchased tickets to support the club, so I don't blame them for what happened. The fish themselves were of high quality, and the exporter had supposedly been vetted by the community. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I suppose that's just the nature of this hobby.
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