StevenLeeds

I suprised the forum didn't didn't scramble G#%!%l V#c automatically...

dwalstad

I wouldn't get too rigid about removing biofilms. Remember that mycobacteria grow very slowly. If you remove the biofilm every two weeks, that would go a long ways in preventing a huge mycobacteria population buildup. You'll never be able to kill them all, just keep their numbers under some control.

In my tanks, I just insert a pitcher into the water and let the water surface fall into the pitcher. I use a 2 qt pitcher, but you could just use a cup to scoop up some of the water surface and transfer it to a bucket. After I've removed a gal or two of water this way, I'll see a little line of crud where the water line was (before I removed the water). I wipe this crud off the glass with a paper towel, because this is where the surface biofilms precipitate. Scientists have shown that this crud is very enriched with mycobacteria.

My fish, many of which survived the 2004 mycobacteriosis outbreak and are probably now disease carriers, are doing fine with the UV sterilizers and the described manual biofilm removal.

If you are not having any problems with your fish, the UV sterilizer may be all that you need to prevent problems.

degordon3000

Thanks Diana

A number of my platies are not looking well - curvature of the spine and such symptoms. The other fish in the tank look fine.

David.

dwalstad

From what you've described, I would use the biofilm removal regimen. I haven't found it to be that much trouble.

I would also remove and euthanize fish that are really looking bad. When fish get spinal deformities, they never get better. In the old days, we called it culling. If its any consolation, a little culling may be good for the health of your other fish-- and you.

There are gentle ways to euthanize debilitated fish.

I am so sorry that you have this problem.

degordon3000

Thanks Diana. Not too worried about the illness. At least I know now (since buying your book) that the environment of my tank is ok - it's bacteria that is the problem. I'll euthanize the affected platties. Unfortunately the option of putting them in the freezer (which I've read somewhere) is not one that I can use (my wife isn't keen on dying fish being placed in the freezer). I'll look on the forum for euthanasia options.

Thanks again.

David

clearleaf

I'm not sure about the freezer, that's kind of slow. Best method I've found is dropping them in a container of ice-cold water with a bunch of ice-cubes. Some say carbonated water is better, not sure how much difference it would make. I've only had to do it a couple times, fortunately, and it appears to be very quick.

DataGuru

Finquel is the best option.
Followed by clove oil or baking soda.
http://thegab.org/Articles/Euthanasia.html

degordon3000

Thanks Clearleaf and DataGuru. I'll pop along to my local aromatherapy store and buy some Clove oil and make some ice cube. I'll look into the Finquel as well.

clearleaf

I had never heard of finquel, thanks. I knew the frozen water was painful, but every time the fish has passed away in less than a second, so it was always quick. But if there's a painless method that would obviously be preferred.

degordon3000

Ok - looked into Finquel and it's not legally available in the shops in the UK.
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.u...ad.php?t=44688
I'll use oil of cloves or baking soda.