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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WATER CONDITIONERS FOR SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM AND POND KEEPING
If you scan the Internet to find out about the merits of various types of water sources for aquarium and pond keeping and what should be done in conditioning water for optimum fish and other aquatic life conditions, the results seen may be confusing. In fact there is a lot of misinformation out there, a lot of out-of-date information, and some false claims about Kordon's products and about other products, including by competitors. This article on "What You Need To Know About Water Conditioners" is current and scientifically prepared, and should provide you with a better insight into this often misunderstood subject. Also, it will serve as a general introduction to the Kordon products involved with water conditioning for aquariums and ponds. For an introduction to this article it is recommended that you read the Kordon Article "What You Need To Know About Water Sources For Successful Aquarium And Pond Keeping", because knowing about water sources will give you a better insight into knowing about water conditioners.
Following Is A List of the Topics Covered In This Article:
* The Emergence Of The Need For Water Conditioners for Aquariums And Ponds
* What Products Are Needed For Treating All Types of Water Sources In Order To Have Successful Aquariums And Ponds?
* Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For New Aquariums and Ponds
* Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Eliminating Ammonia, Nitrites, And Nitrates
* Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Established Aquariums and Ponds
* Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For New Fish Introductions
* Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Fishes With Frayed Fins And Bruises
* What About Rumors That Some Water Conditioners Are Toxic
* What About Rumors That Certain Water Conditioners do Not Work And Only Mask Test Kit Readings Without Removing What They Are Supposed To Remove
* What Are The Problems When Using Water Conditioners?
* What About Adding Salt to Freshwater Aquariums And Ponds To Prevent Fish Diseases?
* What About Removing Phosphorus (Phosphates) From Freshwater Aquariums And Ponds?
* What About Adding A "Blackwater" Conditioner To The Freshwater Aquarium?
* Diseases And Disease Prevention -- When Adding New Fishes or Invertebrates to the Aquarium or Pond
* What About the Need for Water Conditioners When Shipping and Receiving Fishes?
* What About Using Water Test Kits For Aquarium And Pond Keeping?
* * * * * * *
The Emergence Of The Need For Water Conditioners For Aquariums And Ponds
Decades ago the main consideration in aquarium and pond keeping was in getting the chlorine out of tap water, and for tropical freshwater fishes possibly the addition of a tonic to provide "blackwater" conditions. Chlorine has been with us for over one hundred years in ever increasing amounts in the public water supplies. Its major changes in use, particularly recently, are described in the Kordon Article "What You Need To Know About Water Sources For Successful Aquarium And Pond Keeping", and is the prelude to this Kordon Article,
Novalek's Kordon division has been greatly involved for over 40 years with studying water conditions for aquarium and pond keeping and the products needed, starting long before most investigators were concerned about technical aspects of water quality for aquarium and pond keeping. During this time Kordon scientists have been on the leading edge, working on the need to develop best quality products for changing all of these water sources described in the Kordon Article cited above into the best possible conditions for aquarium and pond keeping. The scientists have eminently succeeded, with new and improved products being continually introduced after their usefulness has been proven.
What was found was that there is not in the broad view a major difference between the water conditioners required for freshwater aquariums versus ponds. But there was the need to designate the products for ponds separate from aquariums because of the different marketing requirements. Therefore, for those appropriate products, there is a regular (aquarium) version and a pond version, usually more concentrated for larger amounts of water.
The first product developed by Kordon for general water keeping was NovAqua and most recently the Kordon Amquels. the range of water conditioning products developed by Kordon include the NovAquas, AmQuels, PolyAquas, Fish Protectors, water clarifiers TransClear and Sea Clear, trace element additives VitaTrace, enzyme and bacteria additives ZymBac and Tidy Tanks, Tidy Turtle, and the EZ4U tablet products. The most recent to be added to the line is the algae controller AlgaeQuel, and new pH buffers are now under development To see the descriptions on these products go to the product descriptions on Kordon's home page. A checklist of them is provided below:
What Products Are Needed For Treating All Types of Water Sources In Order To Have Successful Aquariums And Ponds?
If you want to keep it elementary, there are two main products that should be used together for freshwater and marine conditions -- these are Kordon's Amquel+ and Kordon's NovAqua+. These recently developed products should be used when water is added or changed, and should be used regularly approximately once a week or so, depending upon water conditions.
More than most people recognize, there are a lot of different water problems that have to be resolved in keeping fishes and invertebrates in new and established aquariums and ponds. Novalek and its Kordon and AquaVet divisions have been involved in developing answers and products, requiring many changes and improvements in products over the years as water conditions have changed, mostly for the worse (see Kordon Article "What You Need To Know About Water Sources For Successful Aquarium And Pond Keeping", For examples of Kordon products that have continually improved to meet the changes needed for treating declining water conditions, see the descriptions for the following products essential for water conditioning for aquariums and ponds:
AmQuel
AmQuel+ , Pond AmQuel+
Smart Start AmQuel+ & NovAqua+ Water Conditioning Kits
Smart Start Betta Water Conditioning Kit
NovAqua
NovAqua+, Pond NovAqua+
PhosRid
Fish Protector , Pond Fish Protector+
PolyAqua Fish Protector
TidyTank Freshwater
TidyTank Saltwater
TidyTurtle
VitaTrace for Freshwater
VitaTrace for Saltwater
ZymBac for Freshwater
ZymBac for Saltwater
EZ4U Instant Water Conditioner
EZ4U Sludge Remover Tablets
EZ4U Sludge Tabs for Turtles
Coral Sea marine-salt mix
There is a lot of confusion over using water conditioners. They are often used incorrectly and often are misunderstood, even by so-called experts. In order to understand all of the Kordon products listed above, and their general and special uses, the following will help, but you should also read their individual product descriptions as well.
What these products mean is that it is now much easier to have excellent water conditions for aquarium and pond keeping for a wide range of water conditions, fresh, brackish, or salt water, by using the right products. The use of aquarium and pond water conditioners are essential for fish and aquatic animal keeping. The problem is in knowing what products to use and when. The following can serve as a guide as to what products to consider
Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For New Aquariums And Ponds
There are several conditions to consider for new aquariums and ponds. First is to take care of the water used. For this add NovAqua+ and AmQuel+. For miniature aquariums with few fish the EZ4U Water Conditioner can be used. Next is to be sure that the beneficial bacteria are present and active to speed up the "Nitrogen Cycle" and avoid "New Tank Syndrome," and quickly start "Biological Filtration." For this use either the fresh or saltwater Kordon's ZymBac.
New aquariums and ponds mostly depend upon the beneficial bacteria being brought into the water in the slime on the skin of fishes. If the slime has been reduced by abrasion, or the bacteria are otherwise weak in performing their functions, this can delay and slow down the process of "cycling" the aquarium or pond. Also, there is another factor. Just as fish have been bred to improve them for aquarium or pond conditions, so have the beneficial bacteria.
By using Kordon's ZymBac you are getting professionally cultured bacteria that are the right species and have been modified over thousands of generations to be greatly improved in aquarium and pond keeping. These are the same bacteria as used professionally in scientific research, and by public aquariums, zoos, government agencies, and commercial aquaculture on a large scale. Using ZymBac to introduce the right species bacteria that are adapted to aquarium and pond keeping, whether at the start of water keeping or to reinforce the "cycle" -- makes good sense.
If the fish are recovering from having been shipped and/or kept in crowded conditions there is a good chance that they are bruised and have missing scales. This is a good time to use Kordon's Fish Protector or its companion product PolyAqua, which Fish Protector is now replacing. Either of these products will replenish or replace missing slime coatings in fishes, and aid in repelling viruses and infectious bacteria.
Also, this is a good time to use one of Kordon's herbal treatments Prevent Ich , Ich Attack, or Rid Fungus that will suppress the breakout of single-celled pathogens (protozoans and dinoflagellates, as well as fungus). Prevent Ich, Ich Attack , and Fungus Rid have the added advantage of being equally for both fresh and saltwater conditions, and do not harm the invertebrates (anemones, coral, shrimp, crabs, etc.) in live rock and coral reef marine aquariums.
New tap water coming out of the water pipes is anaerobic, unstable -- usually acidic -- in pH. While the water is coming into contact with the air, it is expelling carbon dioxide and taking in oxygen, rapidly fluctuating in pH. This process usually takes up to a day or more before its natural level of pH is stabilized. During this time the water can be stressful and at times lethal to fishes and other aquatic life. Kordon's NovAqua products buffers the pH, immediately stabilizing it at its natural level, avoiding the stress there would otherwise be in the pH rapidly fluctuating, and allowing the safe introduction of fishes and aquatic invertebrates.
After the natural pH of the water is established, there can be the consideration of whether it needs further buffering or not. See the Kordon Article "What You Need To Know About Water Sources For Successful Aquarium And Pond Keeping" for further information.
Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Eliminating Ammonia, Nitrites And Nitrates
While there are many descriptions of the "Nitrogen Cycle," "Biological Filtration," and "New Tank [and Pond] Syndrome," all to some extent harmful to fishes, there is little mention of how you get rid of the toxic compounds quickly that these involve -- namely ammonia/ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates. Also involved are some other toxic organic compounds, such as pheromones. The reason for this general lack of information is that until recently there was no practical way to detoxify them, so that they are no longer a problem in aquarium and pond keeping. The aquarist and pond keeper just had to be put up with.the weeks needed to get through the "cycle" involved with all three of these "cycles."
Now there is a way. Because with the invention of Kordon's AmQuel + a product is available that is preeminent in quickly, easily, and permanently removing (detoxifying) the nitrogen organic compounds of the :"Nitrogen Cycle," "Biological Filtration," and "New Tank [or Pond] Syndrome." This is done without harm to fishes or the beneficial bacteria involved (see Kordon Article "Biological Filtration..." ). If only the removal of ammonia is involved, and not any other of the toxic nitrogen compounds, then the less expensive Kordon AmQuel can be used. But otherwise the AmQuel+ is needed.
Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Established Aquariums And Ponds
Kordon's Amquel+ is unique in covering the detoxification of the nitrogen and organics that build up in older aquariums and ponds over time, including nitrates and related nitrogenous compounds. The nitrates need to be kept at 10 ppm (parts per million) or lower in the water, according to scientific studies on the physiology of fishes. Of particular aid in this in cleaning the "sewage" than can build up over time in the water are the Kordon sludge removers Tidy Tank, Tidy Turtle, and EZ4U Sludge Removers (see links to their web pages in the list of products above.
As water changes are made over time to remove toxicants in the water and to replace trace elements and vitamins in the water, Kordon's VitaTrace (with freshwater and marine versions) products are recommended.
As water ages in the aquarium and pond, the main test kits to use at this time are for nitrate and pH (acidity-alkalinity), because over time nitrates build up in the aquarium or pond, and the water usually becomes more acidic. In regard to nitrates, the beneficial bacteria associated with the "Nitrogen Cycle," "Biological Filtration," and "New Tank [and Pond} Syndrome" end their cycle by the nitrifying bacteria all end up in the excretion of nitrates that for the most part are not eliminated by any other bacteria. Therefore, they build up in the water, interfering with the physiology of the fishes at 10 ppm (=mgL) or more, according to recent scientific studies. Kordon's AmQuel+ in doses at regular intervals will totally detoxify all nitrates, permanently breaking them apart, and gassing parts of them into the air. This is the easiest way to handle this difficulty, and will quickly resolve the toxicity of this problem completely.
If you wish to follow the amount of nitrates in the water by using a water test kit, Kordon's AquaTru Nitrate Test Kits are recommended. Their use of stable scientific-grade powdered reagents provides accurate readings.
the nitrate water test (such as the high quality Kordon's AquaTru Test Kits for nitrate ) will indicate whether nitrates are increasing. For more information on water test kits be sure to read the Kordon Article on "Water Test Kits" , because there are facts you need to know about
Aged water tends to become more acidic and a pH test kit (see Kordon's AquaTru Test Kits) will provide the answer on this. If the water is too acidic (which happens more readily in fresh water conditions, getting below pH 6.0 in fresh water, and below 8.0 in salt water), a partial water change is recommended, or the use of a pH buffer to increase alkalinity, or otherwise balance pH.
As for both freshwater and marine aquariums, as well as ponds, when the acidity of the water drops considerably, it can be toxic to fishes and other aquatic life. At that time at least part of the water should be changed. Another reason for water changes is that the organisms in the water use up the elements in the water, and they need to be regularly replaced.to keep them alive and healthy. To be sure all the trace elements and vitamins are in sufficient supply, the use of Kordon's VitaTrace (both freshwater and marine products are available) are recommended.
Older aquariums and ponds have the build up sludge on the bottom, because there is no place for the "sewage" to go as it accumulates over time. In both aquariums and ponds this needs to be taken care of by cleaning the bottom, usually with a vacuum filter that sucks up the debris. There is also an easy way to take care of sewage naturally by adding sludge removing beneficial bacteria. These may already be present. But a good way to get the right cultures in the water is to use Kordon's Tidy Tank. In small aquariums of 10 gallons or less Kordon's EZ4U Sludge Removers (freshwater and marine versions) are recommended. For turtle aquariums there are Kordon's Tidy Turtle and for aquariums of 10 gallons or less EZ4U Sludge Remover.
Often while "sewage bacteria" are present, they are ineffective. Using Kordon's products which have bacteria species that have been specially chosen and professionally cultured for aquarium and pond keeping can provide a huge improvement for older aquariums and ponds. Even using small amounts of the bacteria is going to provide the right start for the best cultures to take over in "sewage" control.
Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For New Fish Introductions
Kordon has several products that are particularly effective to use with new fish introductions. Since new fishes have to adjust to their tank and pond mates, and are prone to bruises and frayed fins, the use of Kordon's Fish Protector is recommended (see also below). Kordon's AmQuel+ is useful at this time because the new introductions can be stressed in water in which there has been a build up of toxic nitrogen compounds and organics. AmQuel+ will remove (detoxify) them.
Also, this is a good time to use one of Kordon's herbal treatments Prevent Ich, Ich Attack , or Rid Fungus that will suppress the breakout of single-celled pathogens (protozoans and dinoflagellates, as well as fungus). Prevent Ich and Ich Attack have the added advantage of being equally for both fresh and saltwater conditions, and do not harm the invertebrates (anemones, coral, shrimp, crabs, etc.) in live rock and coral reef marine aquariums.
If the fish are bruised or with frayed fins, it is recommended to use Kordon's Fish Protector. A primary problem with new fish introductions is in the outbreak of fish diseases at this time. This comes from the new fishes, as well as suppressed diseases in the older inhabitants being passed on to the new arrivals.
Always quarantine new arrivals in a separate container and observe them for a month or more to be sure that they are free of pathogens. This also allows the arrivals to become adapted to your water conditions. During the quarantine use one of Kordon's herbal treatments (Ich Attack, Prevent Ich and Fungus Rid), all of which with their multiple herbals are equal in results, without having to make water changes each time they are dosed.
For additions to aquariums, the use of Kordon's Fish Corral is recommended. This provides the new comers and old timers the means to have a safe haven to adjust to each other -- the new comers safe inside the corral, separated from the old timers in the aquarium, who can be prone to gang up on the new comers until they get used to them. The new fish are put in the transparent "corral" which is placed in the water. inside the aquarium or pond. Those inside and outside can get used to each other, without allowing direct contact, calming them down and helping to avoid fighting when the new fish are released.
Which Kordon Water Conditioners To Use For Fishes With Frayed Fins And Bruises
Kordon developed a particular product Fish Protector (formerly PolyAqua Fish Protector to use under these circumstances . It provides thick multiple polymer coatings on the fishes' skin that protect the fishes against harmful viruses and bacteria. These coatings do not interfere with the fishes' breathing, and the protection calms the fishes. Fish Protector contains ingredients to accelerate re-growth of frayed fins, and recovery from open wounds and surface bruises. See Fish Protector's or PolyAqua's product description for further information.
Also, as presented for "New Fish Introductions," this is a good time to use one of Kordon's herbal treatments Prevent Ich, Ich Attack , or Rid Fungus that will suppress the breakout of single-celled pathogens (protozoans and dinoflagellates, as well as fungus). Prevent Ich and Ich Attack have the added advantage of being equally for both fresh and saltwater conditions, and do not harm the invertebrates (anemones, coral, shrimp, crabs, etc.) in live rock and coral reef marine aquariums.
What About Rumors That Some Water Conditioners Are Toxic
No Kordon water conditioner is toxic and multiple doses can be safely used. The only concern is for having plenty of aeration in the water when using Kordon AmQuel+, because in the first minutes of use it undergoes a reaction that uses 0.3-0.4 ppm of oxygen in the water. This is a slight amount, but in really crowded aquariums this may be a problem. Good aeration solves the problem.
With ample aeration Amquel+ has been tested on various kinds of fishes and other aquatic life at 40 times the standard dose without ill effect. For all water conditioners, whatever the manufacturer, and particularly for Amquel+, be sure that there is ample water movement and aeration. This is particularly important for aquariums. A waterfall type of filter is attractive in aquariums, but does not provide sufficient aeration in crowded conditions. Additional water movement is needed, such as from air stones (see Kordon Mist Air Stones) or water pump.
Kordon AmQuel+ is a powerful chemical combination, and without an additive to suppress its chemical odor, its use for some users has been unpleasant. We have been successful in adding an odor suppressant that does not interfere with any of AmQuel's beneficial reactions. There are intermediate batches that have partial odor suppression. If the bottle you try is too odiferous, send it back for a free replacement.
What About Rumors That Certain Water Conditioners Do Not Work And Only Mask Test Kit Readings Without Removing What They Are Supposed To Remove
The truth for Kordon water conditioners is that they are long lasting without degradation, and the amounts of toxic elements and compounds that are listed on their labels as being the amounts removed per dose are absolute minimums. The Kordon products are actually removing more than is what is stated on the labels in just about all usages in aquariums and ponds.
Almost always the actual culprit for low or erratic readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are the water test kits (see Kordon Article "What Every Aquarist Needs to Know About Water Test Kits Measuring Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates" ). This article will give you a realistic perspective of what really is happening in managing tests for water quality in ponds and aquariums.
Also, a problem for Novalek and Kordon is that with their pioneering in new inventions in water conditioners, it often takes a while before they are accepted as having proven themselves. And we have to recognize the fact that with Kordon water conditioners being the original products in the market, far before such a need was generally recognized, and are being constantly improved to remain the leaders, they are prone to attack by the competition, as well as from well-meaning but misinformed individuals.
The assertions that Kordon makes in writing regarding its water conditioners are the truth, based on repeated laboratory testing in independent scientific laboratories and extensive testing on fishes, aquatic invertebrates and plants. Everything from spectrophotometers to electron microscopes have been used in these tests. It has been found in some cases that the claims made against Kordon products were in fact based on competitors' products, and Kordon was accidentally named because it was the best known.
Despite the claims made by some other companies, none of the Kordon products are "private labeled" under other companies' names. None of Kordon's products are manufactured by others as claimed in magazine ads by competitors who are promoting their own products. Novalek, Inc., stands behind its Kordon division's products as being fully effective as claimed, and as manufactured under the highest industry standards of quality control.
What Are The Problems When Using Water Conditioners?
Water conditioners for aquarium and pond keeping are used when water is being added and when other changes are needed in water conditions. This is a critical time when many different things can go wrong,. Fishes and aquatic invertebrates can be harmed or killed. It is easy to think that if something does go awry, then a water conditioner did it.
All Kordon water conditioners are non-toxic and non-stressful to all aquatic life, and they do not adversely affect water conditions. It is the opposite. They improve water conditions for fishes and aquatic life. Each production batch of Kordon products is scientifically produced and tested before its release. When something goes wrong, look elsewhere than Kordon water conditioners for what went wrong and what needs to be done.
Nevertheless, when concerned, do not hesitate to contact us (e-mail us at info@novalek.com, or write us at Novalek, Inc., 2242 Davis Ct., Hayward, CA 94545, or telephone us at 510 782-4058, or 800 877-7387.
[Note: A company has warned against using any water conditioner product containing amines, while using one of its products. Amines are generally defined as a class of organic compounds of nitrogen that may be considered as derived from ammonia (NH3). None of Kordon's products contain amines.]
What About Adding Salt to Freshwater Aquariums and Ponds to Prevent Fish Diseases?
While salt is not actually a "water conditioner" for fishes, it needs to be mentioned here. It has become useful as a disease suppressant and health aid to add salt to keep down the breakout of external fish diseases in fresh water. The right kind of salt may be effective, but there are drawbacks, and they need to be understood. Most ornamental pond fishes and many freshwater aquarium fishes are "primary freshwater fishes." This means that their ancestors originated in fresh water and they have limited tolerance of salts in the water.
A low level of salt treatment can be used successfully for many freshwater fishes, but if not subsequently removed can impair the fishes' strength and vitality. Examples of primary freshwater fishes for which salt treatments should be carefully monitored are Koi, Goldfish, Carp, Barbs (all Cyprinid fishes), Characins (including tetras), and Gouramis (Anabantids).
Others that are "secondary freshwater fishes" and are more salt-tolerant because their ancestors were brackish water or marine, include Cichlids, Live Bearers (poeciliids) and most Catfishes (some Corydoras species are considered an exception). Salt in the water is a useful treatment, but take care when using salt in freshwater conditions. When used in community aquariums, a water change eliminating the salt water should be done after the salt treatment is completed.
Table salt, which is sodium chloride (NaCl) contains additives (iodine for gout in humans, calcium silicate for preventing clumping). It is toxic to some fishes and should not be used. Most sea salt formulations for marine aquaria are satisfactory when diluted in freshwater as a disease preventative. Read the instructions for such use before attempting this procedure.
What About Removing Phosphorus (Phosphates) From Freshwater Aquariums And Ponds?
Phosphorus (usually in the form of phosphates) is naturally a trace element in fresh and salt water (including saltwater mixes for marine aquariums) and is usually not a problem. Its importance as a trace element is in plant growth, particularly in aquarium and pond keeping in its acceleration of the growth of algae. If it is in excess in the water it can turn the water green and be a real problem. Kordon PhosRid in aquarium keeping will easily eliminate the phosphates from the water for you, getting rid of the phosphorus.
One of the ways that phosphates gets into aquariums or ponds is when it is used as a pH buffer, particularly for those products that have the ability to buffer the pH either up or down. Also, when a fertilizer used for plant growth contains phosphates, it can be a problem in excess algal growth. This includes when agriculture fertilizers are used on lands with water run offs near intakes for public water utilities (or outlet to the ocean). Then the phosphorus level in the water can be higher than normal.
What About Adding A "Blackwater" Conditioner To The Freshwater Aquarium?
In the 1950s products appeared on the market to change water to "blackwater" conditions due to the discovery of tannins in the water in the Orinoco and Amazon river systems in South America. The tannins come into the water during the wet season each year when the rivers are flooded, inundating the trunks of the trees and other plants in the surrounding forests. from which the tannins originate. Adding tannins makes the water more acid, lowering the pH. In the dry season each year the rivers greatly decrease in flow, for many stretches the rivers become disconnected and evaporate to low levels, becoming even more acid. Some water areas become a pH of 6.0 or lower. Conversely, during the peak of the rainy season when the rivers flood over broad stretches of land, the water can become alkaline, much higher in pH, balancing in many regions at a pH of 8.3.
Therefore, the native species of fishes of these river basins undergo a profound change of water conditions throughout the year. If the aquarium keeper of Orinoco and Amazon fishes were trying to duplicate natural water conditions, this would require seasonal changes in water conditions in the aquarium. What it does show is that these fishes have an incredible ability to tolerate widely varying water conditions, making them adaptable to a broad range of acidity to alkalinity in the water, and inducing spawning when the changes are properly synchronized. Tannins are what the fishes of this region have to put up with, not necessarily what benefits them. This will vary between fish species.
Diseases and Disease Prevention -- When Adding New Fishes or Invertebrates to the Aquarium or Pond
The addition of fishes or invertebrates (such as snails, shrimp, crabs, live coral, "live rock") can be at the time of a new set up or when new fish or invertebrates are added to an existing aquarium or pond. This involves its own set of problems in diseases and acclimatization. New animals often carry diseases. They are definitely stressed, lowering the ability of their immune systems to suppress infections. They may have come from a source, such as overseas, from which they carry virulent disease organisms. If they are being placed with other fishes and invertebrates already present, they are the "new kids on the block" and there is stress for both the new arrivals and the old timers requiring acclimatization. All inhabitants will be more or less stressed and susceptible to diseases during the process, and subject to passing their diseases back and forth. A fish may have carried a suppressed infection for months or years before it breaks out when its resistance is lowered.
Above all else, when introducing new fishes and invertebrates to an established aquarium or pond with inhabitants -- quarantine the newcomers in their own container for a month or more to be sure that they are not going to come down with disease. If they do, treat them in their own separate container until the infection(s) are under control. This is a good time to use one of Kordon's herbals Prevent Ich ], Ich Attack , or Rid Fungus to keep external fungus, protozoan, and dinoflagellate infections under control. (See the section on " Kordon Treatments" for further help, which is presently under preparation). Use Kordon's Fish Protector to treat for frayed fins, scrapes and wounds, and replacement of slime coating on the fishes that has been lost from stress and shipment.
Sometimes personnel at fish/pet shops will claim that the fish have been acclimated already and do not need to be quarantined. However, just moving the fish from the shop to your home can stress the fish sufficiently to lower their resistance to infections, which they may have been carrying, or which they receive from the fish in the aquarium or pond in which they are placed. It happens all the time.
The water in which the fish are transported from the shop to your home would be best treated if an herbal treatment is added to suppress infection by using one of Kordon's herbals, such as Prevent Ich as listed near the start of this article. The addition of Kordon's "Fish Protector" would be helpful to add more slime coatings to the fish suppressing viruses and bacterial infections. If the place from which your fish come do not do this, take it into your own hands to make the proper additions of herbals and protector. And we will say again -- do not introduce new fish to an aquarium or pond without first quarantining them separately under close observation for a month or more.
What About the Need for Water Conditioners When Shipping and Receiving Fishes?
One would think that all of those who ship fish across country and around the world for aquarium and pond keeping would be using the latest technology in shipping. Air and surface shipments are hard on fishes. The fishes are usually crowded, subject to abrasion by the other fish in the shipping bags, and subject to catching other fishes' diseases.
Instead of what would be expected, some shipping procedures are incredibly primitive for some shippers not willing to take the care and expense needed for conserving the health and lives of the fishes in their care. This puts the burden of giving extra care to the fishes onto the receiving distributor, fish dealer, and ultimately onto the consumer. Your care should start in earnest when you are receiving the fishes.
There particularly needs to be a slow adjustment of fishes and aquatic invertebrates to new water conditions when they are being transferred from transport bags into the aquarium or pond. Slowly blending the water for 20 minutes or more is advisable. Delicate aquatic animals will need a longer time. Do not add the water from transport bags into the aquarium or pond. It may contain pathogens. Ample aeration is needed, such as by the use of air pumps, air-stones and surface water movement at the time of adding or changing water. The fishes and invertebrates are under stress, their breathing rate is increased often double or more what it would normally be -- and an oxygen level in the water that would otherwise be adequate can become suffocating.
Remember, while we have over 20% of the air we breathe as oxygen, thanks to all the plant life on earth, water is only going to have at most about 14 parts per million oxygen, and most of the time in aquarium keeping considerably less. This means that all aquatic life, including fishes, have to be rather remarkable creatures to be able to get enough oxygen from that very small supply. "Water keeping" for aquatic life has as a major requirement providing aeration and water movement so that the water discharges the build up of carbon dioxide from organisms' respiration at the surface, so that oxygen can get into the water to keep those organisms alive.
The use of Amquel+ in removing toxic organics is beneficial in increasing the oxygen supply in the water, because it lowers the amount of nitrogen compounds in the water, as well as the growth and activity of the oxygen-breathing bacteria that are consuming nitrogen compounds from the water (ammonia, nitrites, etc.). However, keep in mind that AmQuel+ per dose, in the first minutes of use, itself takes out of the water 0.3-0.4 ppm (parts per million) of oxygen. So ample aeration is needed right from the start to compensate for the oxygen that AmQuel+ is taking out of the water.
As an infection preventive during fish movement and shipping, the use of one of Kordon's herbal treatments is recommended. The multiple herbal ingredients help the immune system of the fish and are less stressful than any of the chemical treatments.
What About Using Water Test Kits For Aquarium And Pond Keeping?
This important subject is covered under the Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Test Kits" and is recommended reading for useful insights.
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